The Senegalese Football Federation has formally contested the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to annul Senegal’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory against Morocco, calling it “unfounded in law, arbitrary and disproportionate.”
In a statement sent to CAF, the federation argued that the designation of a “temporary suspension” during the final as an “abandonment” or “definitive stop” is misleading and infringes upon the referee’s authority. The federation emphasised that the rules cited – Articles 82 and 84, which penalise teams leaving the field without permission – do not apply since the game was halted for just fifteen minutes before resuming. The penalty was taken, and the final result at the end of extra time stood, according to Senegal’s letter.
Senegal has requested CAF to suspend the implementation of its annulment decision pending a ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, to be delivered within 48 hours. Secretary General of the Senegalese Football Federation, Abdoulaye Saydou, described the situation as “stunning” and unprecedented, declaring, “The world will hear from us.”
The decision has sparked widespread outrage among Senegalese fans. In Dakar, supporters expressed disbelief and frustration, citing valid goals scored during the match that were disregarded by CAF’s ruling.
One fan lamented: “Football has lost all meaning today. We won on the pitch, yet a few people behind desks can just take the Cup away.” The controversy continues to dominate discussions in Senegal, as stakeholders await CAS’s arbitration to resolve the dispute.