The Africa Cup of Nations has entered a new chapter of controversy as the Court of Arbitration for Sport confirmed that the Senegalese Football Federation has formally appealed the decision to award Morocco the 2025 title.
Senegal was originally the winner of the January final, defeating Morocco 1-0. The Confederation of African Football announced on March 17 that Morocco would be crowned champions after ruling that Senegal forfeited the match for leaving the pitch in protest over a stoppage-time penalty awarded to Morocco.
Senegal’s appeal, registered with CAS on March 25, requests that the original result be restored and the Teranga Lions be recognized as the rightful champions. The statement from CAS noted the appeal seeks “to set aside the CAF decision and declare the FSF winners of AFCON.”
The sequence of events remains contested. Senegal’s players walked off the field for 17 minutes after Morocco was given a penalty late in regulation. When play resumed, Morocco’s Brahim Diaz had his penalty saved, and Senegal eventually scored an extra-time goal through Pape Gueye. Despite this, following an appeal from the Moroccan Football Federation, CAF ruled Senegal had forfeited, recording the match as a 3-0 win for Morocco.
The Senegalese government called the decision “unprecedented and exceptionally serious,” describing it as “a manifestly erroneous interpretation of the regulations, leading to a grossly illegal and deeply unjust decision.” Officials demanded an independent international investigation into suspected corruption at CAF and declared that Senegal “unequivocally rejects this unjustified attempt at dispossession.”
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over governance in African football and raises questions about the authority and consistency of CAF rulings. Analysts say the CAS appeal could set an important precedent, not just for Senegal, but for the integrity of continental competitions in the years to come.
The situation has captured international attention, placing African football under scrutiny for its handling of rules, protests, and post-match appeals. Fans and officials are waiting to see whether CAS will overturn the CAF decision or uphold Morocco as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations champions.
