Football
“We Won’t Handover the Cup” – Senegal FA Defies CAF Decision
“We Won’t Handover the Cup” – Senegal FA Defies CAF Decision
By Ezinne Obah
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has vowed not to return the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy following a controversial ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that stripped the country of its title.
CAF’s decision, which reportedly stems from alleged breaches during the latter stages of the tournament, has triggered widespread debate across the African football community. While the governing body has not released full details publicly, sources indicate that disciplinary concerns influenced the verdict.
In a strongly worded response, the FSF rejected the decision, describing it as unjust and unacceptable. The federation maintained that Senegal won the tournament fairly on the pitch and should not be punished over issues it insists were beyond the control of the players.
“We will not hand over the AFCON trophy under these circumstances,” the federation said in a statement. “Our team earned this victory through hard work and determination, and that achievement must be respected.”
The standoff sets the stage for a potential legal battle, with indications that Senegal could challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Such a move could prolong the dispute and delay any final resolution regarding the ownership of the title.
The development has raised fresh concerns about governance, transparency, and dispute resolution within African football, with fans and stakeholders calling for greater clarity from CAF.
As tensions continue to rise, the situation remains fluid, with both parties expected to take further steps in the coming days.
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.
Morocco has been officially crowned champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a dramatic decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to strip Senegal of the title over a controversial pitch walkout during the final.
The ruling, delivered by CAF’s Appeal Board on March 17, 2026, overturned Senegal’s 1–0 extra-time victory and awarded Morocco a 3–0 win by forfeit.
The AFCON final, played in Rabat on January 18, was marred by chaos after Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest of a late penalty decision awarded to Morocco. The protest caused a delay of over 14 minutes before the team eventually returned to complete the match.
Despite resuming play and securing victory through an extra-time goal, CAF ruled that Senegal’s temporary refusal to continue the match constituted a breach of tournament regulations. Under Articles 82 and 84, any team that leaves the field without the referee’s approval is deemed to have forfeited the game.
Following Morocco’s appeal, CAF upheld the protest, officially recording the match as a 3–0 win in favour of the North African side, thereby handing them their second AFCON title, 50 years after their first triumph in 1976.
The decision has sparked widespread controversy across the football world, with Senegal’s football federation strongly rejecting the ruling and announcing plans to challenge it at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Players, officials, and fans in Senegal have expressed outrage, describing the verdict as unfair and damaging to African football. Meanwhile, Moroccan authorities have defended the decision, insisting that adherence to the rules must take precedence over on-field outcomes.
The unprecedented ruling has now cast a shadow over one of the most dramatic AFCON finals in recent history, raising questions about officiating, discipline, and governance in African football.
Chelsea FC Women secured their fourth Women’s League Cup title after defeating Manchester United Women 2–0 in the final of the FA Women’s League Cup at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol.
Chelsea took control of the match early, with forward Lauren James opening the scoring in the 20th minute after capitalizing on a loose ball in the box. The goal set the tone for the Blues, who dominated possession and dictated the pace of the game.
Manchester United struggled to break through Chelsea’s organized defence despite their energetic first-ever appearance in the League Cup final. The Blues maintained their composure throughout the match, limiting United’s attacking opportunities.
Chelsea sealed the victory in the 78th minute when substitute Aggie Beever-Jones headed home from a well-delivered cross to double the lead and put the result beyond doubt.
Under the guidance of head coach Sonia Bompastor, Chelsea controlled much of the encounter and showcased their attacking depth and defensive discipline.
James was later named Player of the Match for her influential performance as Chelsea lifted the trophy for the second consecutive year, marking their first silverware of the 2025–26 season.
The victory further strengthens Chelsea’s dominance in English women’s football, while Manchester United will look to regroup after falling short in their maiden League Cup final appearance.