Senegal demands international probe into alleged CAF corruption in 2025 Africa Cup final

Photo credit: Presidency of Senegal/Facebook

The government of Senegal swiftly responded to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Jury’s decision to declare the Senegal team forfeit in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final, awarding victory to Morocco.

Senegal termed the decision “unprecedented and exceptionally grave,” stating it “violates the fundamental principles of sportsmanship, including fairness, integrity, and respect for on-field realities.” The government unequivocally rejected what it described as an “unjustified attempt to dispossess” the team of its hard-earned triumph.

In response, Senegal called for an independent international investigation into alleged corruption within CAF’s leadership, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring justice for the Teranga Lions. Concurrently, the government remains actively engaged in resolving the situation of Senegalese supporters detained in Morocco following post-final disturbances, seeking their safe return.

Understanding the CAF’s controversial ruling

The CAF declared Morocco the winner after reversing the original final result where Senegal had defeated Morocco 1-0 in a match played on January 18. The decision came after the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) successfully appealed the outcome.

According to the CAF, Senegal‘s actions violated article 82 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations, triggering article 84, which mandates a 3-0 forfeit for teams that abandon matches without referee approval. The CAF stated that Senegal‘s conduct constituted a breach of protocol.

The FRMF clarified that its appeal sought strict application of the competition’s rules, not to undermine Senegal‘s sporting achievements. The federation reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining transparency and stability in African football competitions.

Key moments that led to the appeal

The match, initially won by Senegal, saw the team temporarily walk off the pitch after a contentious VAR-influenced penalty decision in stoppage time. With the score tied at 0-0, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty following a review of a challenge by Senegal‘s El Hadji Malick Diouf on Morocco’s Brahim Diaz.

The Senegal manager, Pape Thiaw, infuriated by the referee’s earlier decision to disallow an Ismaïla Sarr goal, ordered his players off the field. After a 17-minute delay, Senegal returned, Brahim Diaz’s weak “panenka” penalty was saved by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, and Pape Gueye scored the winning goal in extra time.

Post-match reactions were heated. The Moroccan manager, Walid Regragui, labeled Senegal‘s actions “shameful,” claiming they “do not honor African football.” FIFA President Gianni Infantino also condemned the “deplorable scenes” on social media.

In a subsequent interview, Pape Thiaw acknowledged his mistake in ordering the team off the pitch and apologized to the football community. Meanwhile, Morocco parted ways with Regragui on March 5, four months before the FIFA World Cup.

Senegal’s fight to reclaim its rightful victory

The Senegalese government has announced its intention to contest the CAF decision before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The government’s statement underscored its unwavering stance in defending the rights of the national team and restoring the integrity of African sports.

This legal battle represents more than a dispute over a football match. It is a fight for transparency and fairness in African football governance, a cause that resonates deeply within the continent’s sporting community.

As Senegal pursues justice, the nation remains united in its belief in the legitimacy of its victory, a belief echoed by the emotional scenes of celebration that followed the original final.