Morocco were suddenly awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations trophy earlier this month, after it was announced in January that Senegal had been disqualified from the finals due to a red card.
Senegal were stripped of the AFCON title two months after the final (Image: Getty Images)
Senegal promptly appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) over the decision to award the 2025 African Cup of Nations title to Morocco. The Confederation of African Football (CAF)’s decision on March 17 to award Morocco a 3-0 victory in the January 18 final sparked great controversy.
The basis for CAF’s ruling was that a Senegalese player refused to play after the hosts were awarded a penalty in stoppage time, with the match remaining scoreless. It has been confirmed that the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has appealed against this decision.
A statement from CAS confirmed that an arbitration panel will be appointed to assess the matter. Senegal has 20 days to file a legal argument, and CAF must submit a statement of defense within another 20 days.
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Matthew Reeve, CAS Executive Director, said: “CAS is fully equipped to resolve these types of disputes with the assistance of experts and independent arbitrators.
“We understand that teams and fans want to know the final decision, and we will work to ensure that the arbitration process occurs as quickly as possible while respecting the right of all parties to a fair hearing.”
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Senegal was initially clinched the championship after defeating Morocco 1-0 in the final thanks to Pape Alassane Guay’s extra-time goal.
This came after Brahim Diaz’s late penalty miss, which resulted in Senegal’s players being sent off the pitch and a delay of around 17 minutes.
Morocco lost to Senegal in the AFCON final, but the result was overturned
The result of January’s final was overturned this month following an appeal by the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), which was supported by Kaf. African football’s governing body said Senegal had breached Article 82 of the Afcon Rules “through the actions of their team.”
The rules state that if a team refuses to play or leaves the field before the end of the allotted time without permission from the referee, that team will be considered a loser and will be eliminated from the competition.
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But now Senegal is trying to regain victory. The FSF called the decision “unfair” and announced on Wednesday that it would appeal the decision to CAS.
FSF posted a video on its social media channels shortly after the decision to strip Afcon of its title, showing a celebration of open-top buses in the country after the final. Several members also posted their reactions on social media.
Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr posted an Instagram Story with several laughing emojis, while West Ham United’s El Hadji Malik Diouf wrote: “Speak up, champions!”
Lyon’s Moussa Niahate said: “Come and get a medal. They are crazy.” Goalkeeper Yevvan Diouf reposted an image from Senegal’s trophy celebration with the caption: “In the eyes of the whole world.”
“I can add 3 more goals to help the crybabies,” Rayo Vallecano midfielder Pate Sis wrote with a laughing emoji. “African Champion!”
