- Senegal were stripped of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in a controversial ruling delivered by CAF’s Appeal Board
- The Teranga Lions infamously walked off the pitch during their final against Morocco before returning to win the game in extra time
- We take a look at the next legal steps and recourse that Senegal have with insights from former CAF Media expert, Collins Okinyo
The football world is still reeling from shock and confusion after CAF’s Appeals Board awarded Morocco the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy on Tuesday evening.
Source: Getty Images
Morocco’s appeal was upheld with the board overturning Senegal’s win in Rabat exactly two months ago.
Why was Senegal stripped of AFCON 2025 trophy?
The Atlas Lions argued that their opponents had forfeited the match and thus, they deserved to be given the trophy based on Article 82 of CAF Rules.
“If, for any reason whatsoever, a team withdraws from the competition or does not report for a match, or refuses to play or leaves the ground before the regular end of the match without the authorisation of the referee, it shall be considered the loser.”
In its ruling, the Board declared that Senegal had infringed both Articles 82 and 84 and thus had forfeited the match.
“In application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, the Senegal team is declared to have forfeited the match, with the result recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF),” read part of the statement.
It is a surprising decision at best, but former CAF Media expert Collins Okinyo has argued that no one can fault Morocco for filing an appeal.
“No one can blame Morocco because they were looking for justice, and an appeal would have made it formal. The problem lies solely with the referee. He was supposed to end the game after Senegal walked off the pitch, but he never did,” he said in an interview with TUKO.co.ke.
Source: Twitter
What options does Senegal have after AFCON 2025 ruling?
Senegal have already released a strongly-worded statement, condemning the decision made by the Appeals Board.
The country’s federation has confirmed that they intend to appeal the decision, taking it to the highest sports court in the land, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) based in Lausanne.
“The Senegalese Football Federation denounces a decision that is unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable, which brings discredit to African football. To defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the Federation will, as soon as possible, initiate an appeal procedure before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne,” read part of the federation’s statement.
Steps Senegal must follow to file an appeal at CAS
Senegal now have a maximum of 10 days to contest the decision. They must submit a written appeal and include the parties involved and the relief they are looking for.
They will also pay an appeal fee of 1,000 CHF (KsSh 164,000) before a panel of three arbitrators is appointed, who will now make the decision.
“Senegal will take this to CAS, but they must look at the facts on the table because Morocco are on the right side of this if we are following CAF rules. However, this decision has come very late, 58 days after the final, and CAS will ask for the referee’s report. The referee restarted the game, and that is the whole basis of Senegal’s appeal,” says Okinyo.
Will Senegal return AFCON 2025 trophy and medals?
This is a very grey area, given that it is the first time an AFCON winner is selected by a board. Senegal were handed the trophy and the medals by CAF President Patrice Motsepe alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
It also remains to be seen whether an award ceremony will be organised by CAF to give Morocco the trophy.
Morocco celebrates AFCON 2025 verdict
Meanwhile, in Morocco, fans celebrated on the streets as soon as the verdict came out.
Motorists were spotted on the streets celebrating after they were awarded the trophy.
The Moroccan Football Federation acknowledged CAF’s verdict but didn’t comment on it.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
