The Senegalese Football Federation called the decision to award the Africa Cup victory to the Moroccan national team "discrediting all African football" 0 7

Recall that the final between the national teams of Senegal and Morocco took place on January 18, 2026, at the stadium in Rabat. At the end of regular time, the Senegalese left the field in protest against the penalty awarded against them; the pause lasted about 15 minutes, after which they returned, and the penalty taken by Brahim Diaz was saved by Edouard Mendy. In extra time, the victory for Senegal was secured by Papa Gueye.

"The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has taken note of the notification received today regarding the decision made on March 17, 2026, by the Appeals Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in case DC23316. This hearing followed a complaint filed concerning match No. 52 of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025, between the national teams of Senegal and Morocco.

By this decision, the CAF Appeals Committee recognized the appeal of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) as admissible and granted it. Thus, the body annulled the decision previously made by the CAF Disciplinary Committee on the grounds that the right of the appealing party to have its position heard was not respected during the first-instance proceedings.

The Appeals Committee also ruled that the behavior of the Senegalese national team fell under Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations. In this regard, CAF recognized that the FSF violated Article 82 and declared Senegal to have lost the match technically with a score of 3:0 in favor of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) based on Article 84.

The Senegalese Football Federation condemns this decision, calling it unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable, discrediting all African football.

To protect its rights and interests in Senegalese football, the Federation will promptly initiate the appeal procedure at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne.

The FSF reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the values of integrity and sporting fairness and will keep the public informed of further developments in this matter," the statement said.