How Senegal Can Legally Reclaim Their AFCON Trophy After CAF Ruling

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has confirmed it will fight to reclaim its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 title.

This move follows a stunning decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to strip the team of their trophy. CAF has instead awarded the championship to Morocco following an appeal.

The Federation’s Response

On Tuesday, the FSF released an official communiqué via its social media channels to address the ruling.

"The Senegalese Federation denounces an unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable decision which casts discredit on African football,” FSF’s Official Statement read in part.

To defend its interests, the FSF is heading to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne. They intend to start these legal proceedings as soon as possible. The federation maintains that it remains committed to the values of integrity and sporting justice.

“For the defense of its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the Federation will initiate, as soon as possible, an appeal procedure before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne,” the statement added.

Chaos in Rabat

The controversy stems from a chaotic final held in Rabat this past January. During the match, Senegal's head coach, Pape Thiaw, led his players off the pitch. This 15-minute walkout was a protest against a penalty awarded to Morocco.

READ ALSO: BREAKING: CAF Strips Senegal of AFCON, Hands Morocco Title

Although captain Sadio Mané eventually persuaded his teammates to return, the tension remained high. Morocco's Brahim Díaz saw his subsequent spot-kick saved. The match then went into extra time, where Pape Gueye scored to give Senegal a 1-0 victory on the night.

The Legal Battle

CAF’s Appeal Board ruled that Senegal violated Article 82 of the competition's regulations. Under Article 84, the match was declared a forfeit. This decision overturned a previous disciplinary hearing that had only resulted in fines and individual bans.

The Moroccan football federation (FRMF) stated that its appeal was about the "application of the competition's regulations" rather than challenging sporting performance.

Morocco had not won the tournament since 1976 and were the hosts of the 2025 edition.

Player Outrage

The loss of the title has sparked anger among the players. Lyon defender Moussa Niakhaté, who played in the final, posted a picture of himself with the trophy on social media.

"Come and get them... They are crazy."

The ruling has also shocked fans in Dakar. Nearly a million supporters had lined the streets to celebrate what they thought was Senegal's second AFCON title just two months ago. The FSF has promised to keep the public informed as the case moves to the international courts.