Senegal Refuses to Surrender AFCON Title, Takes Dispute with CAF to CAS

The federation announced plans to challenge the decision before the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, describing the ruling as unfair and unprecedented.

“We denounce this unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable decision, which casts a shadow over African football,” the federation said in a statement.

Secretary General Abdoulaye Sow told state broadcaster RTS that Senegal will not back down.

“We will call our lawyers and file an appeal, and we are not stopping at nothing. The law is on our side and the decision by CAF is a disgrace for Africa,” Sow said.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe defended the Appeals Board’s ruling, stating that it must be respected as it upholds high standards in its adjudications.

Meanwhile, Senegalese government spokesperson Marie Rise Faye said the decision undermines CAF’s credibility.

“Calling into question a result achieved at the end of a match that was properly played and won in accordance with the rules of the game, CAF seriously undermines its own credibility and we reject this unjustified attempt at dispossession,” she said.

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko warned that the dispute could strain relations between Senegal and Morocco.

“This matter goes beyond the realm of sport and that is regrettable. For two countries that call each other friends, like Morocco and Senegal, things should not have gone this far,” Sonko said.

Veteran French coach Claude Le Roy also criticised the decision, saying it undermines refereeing authority.

CAF’s Appeals Board ruled that Senegal forfeited the final after a 14-minute walk-off protest following a stoppage-time penalty awarded to Morocco. Although Morocco missed the penalty and Senegal won 1-0 after extra time, CAF declared the match void and awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation welcomed the ruling, stating that it was aimed at upholding regulations and ensuring stability in African football competitions.