The Senegalese Football Federation has declared its intention to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport following the country’s loss of the Africa Cup of Nations title.
On Tuesday evening, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced that it had awarded the championship to Morocco, two months after a tumultuous end to the tournament.
The appeal board determined that the Senegal team had forfeited the match when they left the pitch in protest of a controversial penalty awarded in the dying moments of stoppage time.
In a statement on X, the Senegal federation condemned the ruling as “iniquitous, unprecedented, and unacceptable,” asserting that it “discredited African football.”
“In defense of the rights and interests of Senegalese football, the federation will promptly initiate an appeal process before the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne,” the statement noted.
Abdoulaye Seydou Sow, secretary general of the Senegalese Football Federation, affirmed on the public broadcaster Radiodiffusion Télévision Sénégalaise late Tuesday, “We will not retreat. The law is on our side.”
He characterized the ruling as a “shame for Africa.”
The Senegalese government supported the federation’s decision, stating on Wednesday, “Senegal will not accept an administrative decision that undermines commitment, merit, and sporting excellence. The country categorically rejects this unwarranted attempt to strip its rights. Senegal calls for an independent international investigation into potential corruption within CAF’s governing body.”
“Furthermore, Senegal will explore all available avenues, including international courts, to ensure justice is served and the integrity of sporting outcomes is reinstated.”
“The government also expresses solidarity with Senegalese citizens detained in Morocco following the incidents of the Africa Cup of Nations final and is fully committed to advocating for a positive resolution of this matter as quickly as possible.”
Earlier on Wednesday, a member of the Senegal federation expressed outrage to L’Équipe, stating, “We are incensed. A CAF executive committee meeting is scheduled for March 29; it will be World War 3.”
The walk-off, initiated by Senegal’s coach Pape Thiaw, resulted in a prolonged delay. When the game finally resumed, Brahim Díaz had his penalty attempt saved by Édouard Mendy.
Pape Gueye later scored the decisive goal during extra time, but unrest erupted among the crowd, leading to widespread blame and allegations afterward.
After reviewing the situation, the appeal board made the unprecedented decision to overturn the result, declaring a 3-0 victory for Morocco, who now celebrates their second AFCON title.
– Social media reactions to CAF’s ruling
– The AFCON final chaos – timeline of events
– The AFCON final was a stain on African football – Ed Dove
In January, CAF imposed fines exceeding $1 million on both the Senegalese and Moroccan federations and banned Thiaw for five Africa Cup games for his conduct. However, it did not alter the match’s result.
On Tuesday, CAF reduced the suspension of Moroccan player Ismaël Saibari from three games to one and rescinded the $100,000 fine for his unsporting behavior. Additionally, it lowered the fines imposed on the Moroccan federation for the actions of its ball boys from $200,000 to $50,000.
The Moroccan football federation welcomed CAF’s decision to revoke Senegal’s title in a statement released on Wednesday, asserting, “Following the ruling by the CAF Appeal Board, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) applauds a decision that promotes adherence to the rules essential for the proper functioning of international competitions.”
“From the moment the final was interrupted, the FRMF has maintained its stance and goal: adherence to the regulations of the competition. This has never been about disputing the sporting achievements of the teams involved, but rather ensuring compliance with tournament rules.”
“After the initial decision, which the FRMF appealed, CAF recognized that the established rules – known to all and applicable to all – were not upheld. The FRMF followed the correct procedures for resolving disputes, including presenting its arguments and participating in the hearings it was invited to.”
Senegal players expressed their anger and sarcasm on social media. Sadio Mané shared on Instagram, “The world knows who the real champions are.”
Defender Moussa Niakhaté posted an image of himself with the trophy, captioned, “Come and get it! They’re insane!”
Left back El Hadj Malick Diouf reflected, “This isn’t what I expected… this trophy isn’t going anywhere.”
Pathé Ciss shared a series of laughing emojis while posing with the AFCON trophy and his winner’s medal.
Moussa Niakhaté posted an image from the match’s aftermath with the caption, “This is not AI, this is real.”
Communiqué de la FSF relatif à la notification de la décision rendue le 17 mars 2026 par le Jury d’Appel de la Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF). 👇 pic.twitter.com/b0xxQsMQWU
— Equipe du Sénégal (@GaindeYi) March 18, 2026
Information from Associated Press and PA was integrated into this report.