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Senegal to Appeal AFCON Final Ruling, Calls CAF Decision "Unacceptable"

The Senegalese Football Federation has announced it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after CAF's appeals committee overturned a prior ruling and awarded the 2025 AFCON final to Morocco as a 3-0 forfeit. The decision stems from a controversial match where Senegal's players briefly refused to play after a stoppage-time penalty was awarded to Morocco. Senegal labels the ruling "unfair and unacceptable," claiming it discredits African football. The federation vows to defend its rights and keep the public informed as it pursues the appeal.

Key Points: Senegal to Appeal AFCON Final Forfeit Ruling at CAS

  • Senegal to appeal to CAS
  • CAF overturned original ruling
  • Match awarded to Morocco 3-0
  • Controversial stoppage-time penalty incident
  • Senegal denounces decision's credibility
2 min read

Senegal calls CAF ruling on AFCON final 'unfair and unacceptable, set to file an appeal before CAS

Senegal's football federation calls CAF's decision to award Morocco the AFCON final "unfair" and will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

"unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable - Senegalese Football Federation"

Dakar, March 18

The Senegalese Football Federation has denounced the ruling by the Confederation of African Football over their Africa Cup of Nations clash against Morocco and decided to initiate an appeal procedure before the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne.

The controversy stems from Match No. 52 of the AFCON 2025 in Morocco, where a complaint during the game triggered disciplinary proceedings. While the CAF's disciplinary board had earlier ruled in Senegal's favour, that decision was overturned by the CAF's appeals committee.

Senegal had beaten Morocco 1-0 in the January 18 AFCON final, but the match was marred by controversy when Senegal's players refused to continue after Morocco was awarded a stoppage-time penalty with the score level. Play resumed after a 17-minute delay. Brahim Diaz's penalty was saved before Pape Gueye scored the winner for Senegal in extra time.

The CAF Appeals Board sided with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), stating that Morocco's right to be heard had not been respected in the initial proceedings. The appeal board ruled that Senegal had breached Articles 82 and 84 of the tournament regulations. As a result, the match was awarded to Morocco as a 3-0 forfeit victory.

In response to the CAF Appeals Committee decison, the Senegalese Football Federation has labelled the decision "unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable," warning that it undermines the credibility of African football.

"The Senegalese Football Federation denounces an unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable decision that discredits African football. To defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the Federation will initiate, as soon as possible, an appeal procedure before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne," it said in a statement.

"The FSF reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the values ​​of integrity and sporting justice, and will keep the public informed of the follow-up to this matter.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Very messy situation. While rules are rules, overturning a final result months later feels wrong. The players' effort on the field should be the ultimate decider. Hope CAS provides a fair and quick resolution. 🏆
R
Rohit P
As an Indian football fan, I see similar administrative issues here. Federations often get tangled in procedure over sport. Senegal's players refused to play? That's a serious breach, but the penalty seems too harsh after the fact.
S
Sarah B
Respectfully, I think we need to look at both sides. If Morocco's right to be heard was violated in the initial ruling, that's a fundamental flaw. Due process matters, even in sport. The appeal board might have had a point.
V
Vikram M
Absolute chaos! Imagine being a Senegalese fan. You celebrate for months, then they take the title away on a technicality. This hurts the fans more than anyone. CAF's credibility is definitely on the line here.
K
Karthik V
The core issue is the 17-minute stoppage. Players refusing to play is unacceptable in any sport—it's against the spirit of the game. However, the punishment should have been decided immediately, not in a boardroom later. A tough lesson for all.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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