Senegal insists on retaining Africa Cup title despite CAF appeal ruling

Senegal insists on retaining Africa Cup title despite CAF appeal ruling
Monday 6 April 2026 - 13:51

Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations wins remains legally secure, the head of the Senegalese Football Federation said, despite a recent decision by the African Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Committee that officially recognized Morocco as the winner of the 2025 final by default.

Abdallah Fal, president of the Senegalese Football Federation, told the Agence de Presse Sénégalaise that the federation had submitted a case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. “We have received the reasoning behind the Appeals Committee decision, and I am very comfortable legally,” Fal said. “From a legal standpoint, Senegal’s title cannot be revoked.”

The controversy stems from CAF’s Appeals Committee ruling, which considered Senegal to have forfeited the match but rejected Morocco’s requests to strip Senegal of the title, reclaim the trophy and medals, or award the championship to Morocco.

Fal said the Moroccan side had submitted four claims during the dispute process, including recognizing Senegal’s forfeit, declaring Morocco the winner, revoking Senegal’s title, and reclaiming the trophy and associated awards. The committee only upheld the forfeit declaration but declined the requests regarding the trophy and title, citing a lack of jurisdiction in those areas.

“The title remains with Senegal, and the trophy, medals and rewards will not be returned,” Fal said. “We won on the field, celebrated the victory, and there is no real legal threat to this championship.”

Meanwhile, Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Moroccan Football Federation, affirmed that Morocco has a “comprehensive and strong” case to defend its claim before the Court of Arbitration for Sport. He emphasized that detailed documentation, including official reports and video evidence, supports Morocco’s position in accordance with all legal procedures.

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions in African football over match adjudications and title claims, with both sides maintaining confidence in their respective legal and sporting positions.

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