Senegal Rejects CAF Decision to Strip AFCON 2025 Title

The Senegalese government has issued a sternly worded release condemning the decision of the Confederation of African Football Appeals Committee, which has attempted to strip the Senegalese national team of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, handing it instead to Morocco.

In a release issued in Dakar, Senegal, on March 18, 2026, the Senegalese government stated that they were filled with “profound dismay” at the decision, which they saw as an attempt to tarnish the reputation of African football.

The release stated that the decision of the CAF Appeals Committee was an attempt to ignore the principles of fairness, truth, and sporting integrity that guide competitive football on the African continent.

The Senegalese government stated that the outcome of the AFCON final had been legitimately determined on the pitch.

“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,” the release stated.

Government Denounces ‘Unjust’ Ruling

According to the release, Senegal views the CAF Appeals Committee’s interpretation of regulations as fundamentally flawed.

Authorities described the ruling as, “a manifestly erroneous interpretation of the regulations, leading to a grossly illegal and profoundly unjust decision.”

The government warned that overturning a match result after it had been properly concluded sets a dangerous precedent.

“By calling into question a result achieved at the end of a match that was properly played to its conclusion and won in accordance with the rules of the game, the CAF seriously undermines its own credibility,” the statement continued.

It added that such actions risk eroding public trust in continental sports institutions. The government stated unequivocally: “Senegal cannot tolerate an administrative decision that erases commitment, merit, and sporting excellence. Senegal unequivocally rejects this attempt at unjustified dispossession.”

Also Read: Morocco Crowned AFCON 2025 Champions After CAF Ruling

Call for Investigation and Legal Action

In response, Senegal has called for an independent international investigation into alleged corruption within CAF’s governing structures.

“It calls for an independent international investigation into suspected corruption within the CAF’s governing bodies,” the statement said.

The government also signaled its readiness to escalate the matter legally.

“Furthermore, Senegal will use all appropriate legal avenues, including before the competent international courts, to ensure that justice is served and the primacy of sporting results is restored,” officials declared.

Authorities also expressed solidarity with Senegalese citizens reportedly detained in Morocco following incidents linked to the AFCON final.

“The Government takes this opportunity to reiterate the solidarity of the entire nation with the Senegalese citizens detained in Morocco,” the statement noted.

Also Read: Mane Breaks Silence After CAF Strips Senegal of AFCON Title, Awards it to Morocco

National Resolve and Commitment

Reaffirming its position, the government pledged to remain steadfast in defending the national team’s honor.

“Senegal will remain resolute, vigilant, and unwavering in defending the rights of the Senegalese national team and restoring the honor of African sport,” the statement concluded.

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