Senegal FA Chief Sends Strong Message to CAF After Appealing AFCON Title Stripping to CAS
- Senegal Football Federation has appealed to CAS to overturn CAF’s decision to take away their AFCON title
- FSF president Abdoulaye Fall labels the ruling from the African body as an “administrative robbery”
- The AFCON trophy is set to be presented to fans ahead of Senegal’s friendly against Peru
- African football expert Oluwafemi Balogun speaking to Legit.ng believes Senegal can overturn CAF's decision
Senegal’s football leadership has gone on the offensive after the country was stripped of its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.
The ruling, handed down by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has sparked outrage in Dakar, with officials now taking the fight to the highest legal stage in sport.
Source: Getty Images
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has formally appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), setting the stage for a legal battle that could yet rewrite the outcome of one of the most controversial finals in recent memory.
FSF rejects CAF decision
The fallout began when CAF ruled that Senegal had forfeited the AFCON final after walking off the pitch in protest of a late penalty decision.
Despite returning to the game and winning 1-0 through an extra-time goal, the CAF’s Appeal Board deemed the walk-off a breach serious enough to overturn the result.
CAF’s ruling awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory, handing the hosts their first AFCON title in nearly five decades.
The decision has not gone down well in Senegal, where many believe the punishment outweighs the offence.
Source: Getty Images
According to Reuters, FSF president Abdoulaye Fall did not hold back after he described the ruling as an “administrative robbery” and made it clear that Senegal would not accept the outcome quietly.
“In the face of this administrative robbery, the FSF refuses fatality. We will fight a moral and legal crusade,” Abdoulaye Fall said.
African football expert backs Senegal to win case
The case now shifts to CAS in Lausanne, Switzerland, where an independent panel will review the events surrounding the final and CAF’s interpretation of its regulations.
CAS has confirmed receipt of the appeal and will appoint arbitrators to handle the dispute.
Speaking to Legit.ng, African football expert, Oluwafemi Balogun, believes Senegal has a genuine case and could overturn CAF's verdict after filing an appeal at CAS.
“Senegal have a genuine chance of overturning CAF’s decision at CAS because the core of their argument will rest on proportionality and sporting merit.
"Yes, the walk-off created chaos, but the team returned to the pitch, the match was completed, and they went on to win through legitimate play in extra time.
"CAS panels often look closely at whether the punishment fits the offence, and in this case CAF’s decision to erase an on-field result entirely could be viewed as excessive, especially since the referee allowed the match to continue to its natural conclusion,” Oluwafemi Balogun said in a chat with Legit.ng.
According to Africa Top Sports, Senegal have 20 days to submit detailed legal arguments, after which CAF will be given another 20 days to respond. The process could take weeks, but its outcome carries major consequences.
If CAS rules in Senegal’s favour, the original result could be reinstated, restoring their title.
If not, Morocco’s status as champions will stand, closing the chapter on a saga that has already divided opinion across African football.
Senegal reveals plans to parade trophy
While the legal process unfolds, Senegal are making a statement of their own.
The FSF has announced plans to present the AFCON trophy to supporters ahead of their upcoming friendly against Peru in Paris on Saturday, March 28.
The move is symbolic as it signals that, regardless of CAF’s ruling, Senegal still consider themselves champions.
Senegal, already qualified for the World Cup, are using the friendly as part of their build-up.
Senegal star ready to return AFCON medals
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gueye has made headlines after offering to return his 2025 AFCON medal in a bid to ease tensions between Senegal and Morocco.
Gueye, speaking after Everton’s 3-0 Premier League win over Chelsea, expressed his frustration but also his willingness to act diplomatically.
Source: Legit.ng
