The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) has confirmed it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after being stripped of its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title on Tuesday. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Board overturned the original 1–0 result in Senegal’s favour, instead awarding hosts Morocco a 3–0 victory — a decision that ultimately handed them the AFCON title. ALSO READ: CAF awards Morocco AFCON title after Senegal forfeit final Senegal has strongly condemned CAF’s ruling, describing it as “unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable,” and warning that it undermines the credibility of African football. “The Senegalese Football Federation condemns this unjust, unprecedented and unacceptable decision, which brings African football into disrepute,” the FSF said in a statement issued on Wednesday, March 18. “To defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the federation will, as soon as possible, file an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne.” The CAF Appeals Board ruled that the organisation’s Disciplinary Committee had erred by issuing fines and suspensions without overturning the match result. According to the Appeals Board, several Senegal players left the pitch for a period after Morocco were awarded a late penalty, effectively forfeiting the match under Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations. However, Senegal is expected to argue that only the on-field referee has the authority to determine a forfeiture — and that such a decision would have required the referee to blow the final whistle, which did not happen. The federation is likely to present a strong case, amid concerns that the Appeals Board’s ruling could set a precedent allowing match results to be altered retroactively. “This is a travesty; this decision is based on absolutely nothing. It has no legal foundation,” said Abdoulaye Seydou Sow, Secretary General of the FSF, in an interview with state broadcaster RTS1. “From what we observed this morning when the hearing began, we already had serious doubts — clearly, the judge did not come to rule on the case, but to carry out orders. “The president of the federation will consult with lawyers, engage the appropriate authorities, and proceed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which will issue the final decision. “We will not back down. Senegalese people should have no doubt. The truth is on Senegal’s side, and the law is on Senegal’s side.” Meanwhile, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (RFMF) welcomed the decision, reiterating that its appeal was aimed solely at ensuring the proper application of competition regulations. “The Federation reaffirms its commitment to respecting the rules, the clarity of the competitive framework, and the stability of African competitions,” Morocco FA said in a statement.
