Senegal’s football federation has launched a fierce legal battle against the Confederation of African Football (CAF), denouncing the decision to strip the country of its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations crown as “the most blatant administrative scam in the history of our sport.”
Speaking at a press conference in Paris, FSF president Abdoulaye Fall vowed that Senegal “refuses to accept this as inevitable,” unveiling a team of international lawyers tasked with defending the nation’s honour before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The controversy stems from January’s chaotic final in Rabat, where Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 1-0 in extra time courtesy of a Pape Gueye strike. The match had been marred by a 20-minute protest after Senegal players walked off in anger at a disallowed goal and a penalty awarded to Morocco.
CAF initially sanctioned both federations for unsporting behaviour but upheld the result. However, on March 17, the body reversed course, ruling Senegal had forfeited the match by leaving the pitch — awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory and the title.
Juan de Dios Crespo-Perez, a specialist in sports law, argued that the case goes beyond African football: “It is not only the integrity of African football but the integrity of the world of football that will be judged before the CAS.”
Senegal’s legal team insists CAF’s ruling violates the fundamental Laws of the Game, particularly those protecting the referee’s authority. Lawyer Seydou Diagne warned that if the precedent stands, “the next World Cup will be played out in law firms in Paris or the United States.”
Swiss lawyer Serge Vittoz noted that CAS proceedings typically last nine to 12 months but said Senegal will request an expedited ruling that could deliver a verdict within two months.
The Senegalese government has also demanded a corruption probe into CAF. French lawyer Pierre-Olivier Sur, tasked with leading investigations, hinted that a formal complaint may soon be filed.
Meanwhile, Senegal plans to present the disputed AFCON trophy to fans at the Stade de France this Saturday during a friendly against Peru — a symbolic gesture underscoring their refusal to relinquish the title.
Morocco, despite being declared champions, has yet to receive medals, prize money, or the trophy itself.
