The Senegalese government has issued a strong and immediate response to the decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Jury, which declared Senegal to have forfeited the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final, originally played on January 18th, and named Morocco as the tournament winner.

In a statement released this Wednesday, the government condemned the ruling as an “unprecedented decision of exceptional gravity,” asserting that it “directly violates the fundamental principles underpinning sports ethics, notably fairness, loyalty, and respect for on-field truth.”

Unequivocally rejecting what it terms an “unjustified attempt at dispossession,” the government has called for an independent international investigation into “suspicions of corruption within CAF’s governing bodies.”

While also confirming its active engagement in monitoring the situation of Senegalese supporters detained in Morocco following incidents during the CAN 2025 final, aiming for a favorable resolution, the Senegalese government reiterated its unwavering vigilance and resolve “in defending the rights of the Senegalese national team and restoring the honor of African sport.”

The CAF decision

Morocco was controversially awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned the original final result due to Senegal’s disputed abandonment of the match.

Senegal had initially defeated Morocco 1-0 in the final on January 18th. The game was marred by a contentious moment in stoppage time when, with the score still 0-0, Senegalese players refused to continue playing after a penalty was awarded to Morocco.

Following an approximate 17-minute stoppage, the players eventually returned to the pitch. Brahim Diaz’s penalty attempt was saved, and Pape Gueye subsequently scored the winning goal for Senegal in extra time.

However, this on-field result was later nullified following a ruling by African football’s governing body’s appeals committee.