Senegal stripped of Africa Cup of Nations title
The Senegalese Football Federation has launched a scathing attack on the Confederation of African Football after their Africa Cup of Nations triumph was sensationally stripped away on Tuesday evening, reports BritPanorama.
CAF’s Appeals Board ruled that Senegal forfeited the January 2025 final against Morocco, awarding the hosts a 3-0 default victory, effectively crowning them continental champions instead.
In a blistering statement, the FSF branded the ruling “unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable” and declared it “discredits African football.” The federation confirmed it would immediately pursue an appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne to overturn the decision.
The dramatic ruling stems from chaotic scenes during the final in Rabat on 18 January, when Pape Thiaw’s side walked off the pitch in protest after VAR awarded Morocco a penalty. Their departure sparked significant disturbances among spectators in the stadium. After a 15-minute stoppage, the Senegalese players returned to the field and the match resumed.
Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy then denied Brahim Diaz from the spot, keeping his side in the contest. Senegal went on to claim what they believed was their second AFCON title when Pape Gueye found the net during extra time, securing a 1-0 victory on the night. However, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation had lodged an appeal against the original outcome, which CAF’s Appeals Board deemed admissible and subsequently upheld.
In reaching its verdict, the board determined that the initial CAF Disciplinary Board proceedings had failed to respect Morocco’s right to be heard. The Appeals Committee concluded that Senegal’s conduct during the match constituted violations of Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations. Under Article 84, the governing body declared the FSF in breach of Article 82 and recorded the result as a 3-0 forfeit in Morocco’s favour.
The decision effectively hands the tournament hosts the continental crown nearly two months after the final was played. The FSF stated: “The Senegalese Football Federation denounces this unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable decision, which discredits African football.”
The governing body pledged to fight the ruling, stating: “To defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the Federation will initiate an appeal as soon as possible before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne.” The federation also emphasised its principles in the face of the controversy.
“The FSF reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the values of integrity and sporting justice and will keep the public informed of developments in this matter,” the statement concluded. Whether their appeal is successful remains to be seen.
In a sport often marred by controversy, this episode serves as a reminder of how passions run high when the stakes are elevated. The echoes of discontent from Senegalese football might resonate for some time, as the quest for justice continues on a global stage.
