Senegal rejects CAF decision, set to appeal to CAS after overturn of AFCON 2025 result

In a decision issued on March 17, 2026, CAF said it had upheld an appeal filed by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) relating to Match No. 52 of AFCON Morocco 2025. The CAF Appeals Jury declared Morocco’s appeal admissible and overturned an earlier decision by CAF’s Disciplinary Jury on procedural grounds, saying Morocco’s right to be heard was not respected during the initial proceedings.

After reviewing the case, the Appeals Jury ruled that Senegal’s conduct during the final breached Articles 82 and 84 of AFCON regulations on misconduct and forfeiture. CAF said Senegal was sanctioned and the match was awarded to Morocco by forfeit, recorded as a 3-0 victory for the hosts.

The decision stems from chaotic scenes late in the final in Rabat on January 19, when Senegalese players briefly left the pitch after a disallowed goal and a penalty awarded to Morocco. CAF ruled the walk-off amounted to a forfeitable offence under the tournament rules.

Senegal’s Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) rejected the ruling, calling it “unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable” and warning it damages the credibility of African football. The federation said it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, to overturn CAF’s verdict and defend Senegal’s interests.

“With the case now heading to international arbitration,” the FSF said it would keep the public informed, as the dispute escalates into one of the most controversial decisions linked to AFCON 2025.