The government of Senegal has called for an independent international investigation into the Confederation of African Football following the decision by its Appeals Committee to overturn the result of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final and award the title to Morocco. In a statement issued on Wednesday, March 18, authorities in Dakar said the ruling raises serious concerns about the integrity of CAF’s decision-making process and should be examined by an external body to ensure transparency and fairness in African football. ALSO READ: CAF awards Morocco AFCON title after Senegal forfeit final The government argued that the decision contradicts the fundamental values that should govern football competitions, maintaining that the final was played to completion in accordance with the rules — a position also supported by the Senegalese Football Federation. “This unprecedented decision, of exceptional gravity, directly contradicts the cardinal principles that underpin sporting ethics, foremost among which are fairness, loyalty, and respect for the truth of the game,” said government spokesperson Marie Rose Khady Fatou Faye. Senegal warned that overturning a result decided on the pitch without clear justification risks undermining confidence in continental football institutions. ALSO READ: CAF decision to strip Senegal of AFCON draws criticism “Senegal cannot tolerate an administrative decision that erases commitment, merit, and sporting excellence. Senegal unequivocally rejects this attempt at unjustified dispossession,” the statement added. The West African nation also called for a thorough international probe into the circumstances surrounding the ruling, raising concerns about possible irregularities within CAF’s governing bodies. “Senegal calls for an independent international investigation into suspected corruption within CAF’s governing bodies. The State will use all appropriate legal avenues, including before competent international courts, to ensure that justice is served and the primacy of sporting results is restored,” the statement said. The government further expressed solidarity with Senegalese citizens detained in Morocco following incidents after the final, adding that it remains actively engaged in efforts to resolve the situation.
