- Senegal were stripped of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in a controversial decision by the CAF Appeals Board
- The Teranga Lions came off the field in an unusual fashion during their final against Morocco before coming back to win the game in extra time
- We look at the next legal steps and the path Senegal will take after the country’s federation issued a strong statement
The football world is still in shock and confusion after the CAF Appeal Board awarded Morocco the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title on Tuesday evening.
Source: Getty Images
Morocco’s appeal was accepted as the board annulled Senegal’s victory in Rabat two months ago.
Why was Senegal stripped of the AFCON 2025 trophy?
Atlas Lions said that their opponents had lost the match and therefore, they deserved to be awarded the trophy according to Article 82 of the CAF Laws.
“If, for any reason, a team withdraws from the competition or does not report to the match, or refuses to play or leaves the field before the regular end of the match without the permission of the referee, it will be considered a failure.”
In its decision, the Board declared that Senegal had violated Articles 82 and 84 and thus forfeited the match.
“With the use of Article 84 of the African Cup of Nations Regulations, the Senegalese team has been declared to have lost the match, with the result recorded as 3-0 in favor of the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF),” part of the statement read.
It’s a shocking decision, setting a very dangerous precedent for deciding titles in boardrooms two months after the actual game has been played.
Source: Twitter
What options does Senegal have after the AFCON 2025 decision?
Senegal has already issued a strongly worded statement, condemning the decision made by the Appeals Board.
The country’s federation has confirmed that it intends to appeal the decision, taking it to the country’s highest sports court, the Lausanne-based Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
“The Senegalese Football Federation condemns the unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable decision, which brings shame to African football. In order to defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the Federation will, as soon as possible, initiate an appeal procedure before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne,” part of the federation’s statement read.
The steps Senegal must follow to file an appeal at CAS
Senegal now has a maximum of 10 days to challenge the decision. They must file a written appeal and include the parties involved and the relief they seek.
They will also pay an appeal fee of CHF 1,000 (KsSh 164,000) before a panel of three arbitrators is appointed, who will now make a decision.
Will Senegal bring back the AFCON 2025 trophy and medals?
This is a very ambiguous area, considering that it is the first time the winner of AFCON elected by the board. Senegal was presented with the trophy and medal by CAF President Patrice Motsepe and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
It also remains to be seen if the award ceremony will be organized by CAF to give Morocco the trophy.
Morocco celebrates the decision on AFCON 2025
Meanwhile, in Morocco, fans celebrated in the streets as soon as the decision was made.
Drivers were seen on the streets cheering after being awarded the trophy.
The Moroccan Football Federation accepted CAF’s decision but did not comment on the decision.
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