Senegal to Appeal CAF AFCON 2025 Final Ruling, Calls Decision ‘Unfair and Unprecedented’

The Senegalese Football Federation has condemned the March 17, 2026, ruling by the Confederation of African Football Appeals Board, describing it as “unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable,” and confirmed plans to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne.

The ruling overturned an earlier decision by the CAF Disciplinary Board, awarding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final to Royal Moroccan Football Federation with a 3-0 scoreline. CAF cited Senegal’s alleged breach of Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations. The controversy followed chaotic scenes during the final when Senegalese players briefly left the pitch after a disallowed goal and a penalty was awarded to Morocco.

The Appeals Board upheld Morocco’s protest, stating Senegal’s right to be heard was not fully respected in the initial proceedings.

In its response, the FSF reiterated its commitment to “integrity and sporting justice” and vowed to defend the interests of Senegalese football through a formal CAS appeal. The federation criticized CAF’s ruling as undermining the credibility of African football and pledged to keep the public updated on all developments.

The 2025 AFCON final, match no. 52 of the tournament, is now set to enter prolonged legal proceedings as Senegal challenges the decision.