Senegal Calls For Investigation Into CAF’s Activities Amid AFCON 2025 Saga

The Senegalese government has called for an independent international investigation into suspected corruption within the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after the body stripped Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and awarded it to Morocco.

Naija News reports that Senegal had beaten Morocco 1-0 in January’s final, but CAF overturned the result on Tuesday, March 17, ruling the match forfeited after Senegal players walked off in protest over a stoppage-time penalty decision.

The players returned after a 17-minute delay. Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, before Pape Gueye scored the winner in extra time.

Following an appeal by the Moroccan FA, CAF ruled the result be recorded as 3-0 in Morocco’s favour.

In a strongly worded statement, the Senegalese government described the decision as “unprecedented and exceptionally serious”, adding it was based on “a manifestly erroneous interpretation of the regulations, leading to a grossly illegal and deeply unjust decision”.

“Senegal unequivocally rejects this unjustified attempt at dispossession,” the statement said.

Earlier, Naija News reports that the Senegalese Football Federation has confirmed it will challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

FSF secretary general Abdoulaye Seydou Sow said: “This decision is a breach of trust that is not based on any rule of law.

“We felt that the jury wasn’t there to uphold the law, but to carry out an order.

“We will stop at nothing. The law is on our side. The fight is far from over. Senegal will defend its rights to the very end.”

Several players have also refused to accept the verdict. Midfielder Idrissa Gueye wrote: “We know what we experienced that evening in Rabat.no oneo-one can take that away from us.”

The walk-off has triggered wider concern, with the International Football Association Board opening consultations on how to handle similar protests in future.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said it was “unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner” and insisted such scenes must not be repeated.

The final, played in Rabat, was already mired in controversy, including disputes over refereeing decisions and VAR interventions.

Caf’s ruling has also drawn criticism from within the game. Former disciplinary chief Raymond Hack warned the outcome fuels perceptions of political interference, noting Moroccan FA president Fouzi Lekjaa also serves as CAF’s first vice-president.

“The game should be won on the field of play not in a boardroom,” Hack said.