Senegal Refuses To Hand Over AFCON 2025 Cup To Morocco After CAF Decision

• Senegal have vowed to defend themselves after being stripped of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title by CAF
• The CAF Appeals Board ruled that they broke the rules after being sent off during their game against Morocco in the final
• The country’s government has promised to support the football federation and condemn ‘corruption’ in CAF

Senegal have vowed to retain the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy despite a controversial decision from the CAF Appeals Board.

The board decided that Senegal lost the final against Morocco after leaving at half time. The Lions of Teranga were angry after Morocco was awarded a penalty shortly after their goal was denied on the other side.

Head coach Pape Thiaw asked his players to leave the field, but after Sadio Mane intervened, they returned. Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, and Pape Gueye scored in extra time to win the game for Senegal.

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The CAF Appeal Board ruled that Senegal had breached the federation’s rules, and by leaving the field, they had forfeited the game. The board awarded Morocco the game with a standard score of 3-0, meaning that the trophy AFCON 2025 was no longer for Senegal.

Senegal refuses to return the AFCON 2025 trophy

It was not explicitly mentioned in the decision, but Senegal may be required to return their trophies and medals, something they have vowed will not happen.

“The President of the FSF is in talks with all those involved. The fight is not over. I want to assure all the people of Senegal. Senegal is right, and victory is on our side. The Cup will not leave the country,” said Abdoulaye Sow, Secretary General of the country’s football federation, to Le Soleil via Mail Sport.

“CAF is corrupt, and the repercussions around the world following this decision prove total outrage. CAF is corrupt, and the repercussions around the world following this decision prove total outrage,” he added.

At the same time, the Senegalese government has supported the federation, promising to support them in pursuing the matter to its logical end. The statement, which was issued by government spokesperson Marie Rose Khady, also claimed CAF was corrupt.

“Senegal unequivocally rejects this attempt to dispossess the team for no reason. It calls for an independent international investigation into allegations of corruption within CAF’s governing bodies. Senegal will use all appropriate legal means, including before competent international courts, to ensure that justice is served and that the quality of sports results is restored.”

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“Senegal will remain strong, vigilant, and steadfast in defending the rights of the Senegalese national team and restoring the dignity of African sports.”

Senegal’s next steps after CAF’s decision on AFCON 2025

We have also reported on the steps Senegal can take after CAF stripped them of the AFCON 2025 title.

Senegal now has the legal option of appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Laussane, Switzerland.

West Africans have 10 days to file an appeal before a panel of three arbitrators is selected to hear the case.

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