The battle for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations trophy has officially moved from the grass of the pitch to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland.
In a scathing response to the CAF Appeal Board’s decision to strip them of their standing and declare Morocco 3–0 winners by forfeit, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has labelled the ruling ‘unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable’.
The controversy stems from a March 17, 2026, notification from CAF regarding case DC23316.
The Appeal Board overturned an initial Disciplinary Board decision, ruling that the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) had its right to a fair hearing violated during the first round of proceedings.
By applying Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations, CAF effectively erased the original result of the final, handing the Atlas Lions a walkover victory and the continental title.
The FSF did not mince words in its official press release issued from Dakar. The federation expressed deep shock at the verdict, arguing that such a massive administrative shift undermines the spirit of the game.
”The Senegalese Football Federation denounces this unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable decision, which discredits African football,” the statement read.
Senegal has no intention of letting the matter rest. To protect the interests of the Teranga Lions and the integrity of their sporting achievement, the FSF confirmed it is taking the case to the CAS.
”To defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the Federation will initiate an appeal as soon as possible before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS),” the federation announced, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the values of integrity and sporting justice.
What this means for AFCON 2025
While Morocco currently stands as the champion by decree, the looming CAS appeal puts the finality of the tournament in a state of flux.
Fans across the continent are now left waiting to see if the highest body in sports law will uphold CAF’s decision or restore the original status of the match.
For now, the FSF has promised to keep the public updated as they prepare to kick off their legal process for Switzerland.
Its a shame for African soccer, that goes to show that CAF and football in Africa belongs to Arab countries