Senegal challenges CAF’s controversial ruling on CAN 2025 final

The saga surrounding the CAN 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco refuses to fade. Months after the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) controversially awarded the title to Morocco via default, the Senegalese Football Federation has escalated the dispute to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

In a bombshell revelation, a senior member of the appellate jury has gone on record to denounce the decision. « I fundamentally disagree with the ruling », declared Faustino Varela Monteiro, vice-president of the appeals commission, in an exclusive interview. He revealed being the sole dissenting voice against the decision that dealt a severe blow to the Lions of Teranga.

The controversy stems from the January 18th final in Rabat, where Senegal triumphed 1-0 in extra time, following a 15-minute interruption when players walked off the pitch to protest a contentious late penalty awarded to Morocco. The penalty was ultimately missed by Brahim Diaz, sealing Senegal‘s victory.

Internal dissent challenges CAF’s authority

« The match was allowed to conclude by the referee, which suggests no abandonment occurred », argued Monteiro. He stressed that altering the match’s outcome after its completion sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the integrity of the sport. « If match outcomes can be retroactively changed, the very concept of a final decision loses all meaning », he added.

Monteiro further emphasized that the CAS will only reconsider the decision if evidence of arbitrariness or bad faith is presented. « The TAS does not re-examine on-field decisions unless compelling proof of misconduct exists », he clarified.

The CAF‘s controversial ruling has not only sparked outrage among Senegalese fans but has also ignited debates about the fairness and transparency of sports governance in Africa.