The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has rejected the ruling by the Confederation of African football ( CAF) Appeal board, describing the decision as unjust and damaging to the image of African football.
Through a press release published shortly after the announcement, the FSF has announced plans to challenge the verdict at the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) in a bid to overtun what it considers an unprecedented sanction.
The FSF criticized the ruling as unfair and without precedent, arguing that it undermines the credibility of the sport across the continent.
The controversy stems from a decision issued on the 17th of March 2026, by CAF’s Appeal Board concerning the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The panel ruled that Senegal forfeited the match under Articles 82 and 84 of AFCON regulations, awarding a 3-0 victory to the football governing body of Morocco, the Fèdèration Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) .
This is following an appeal lodged by the Moroccan Federation, which challenged an earlier decision by CAF’s Disciplinary Board.
The Appeal board overturned that initial judgement concluded that Senegal’s conduct during the final violated competition rules, thereby justifying the forfeiture.
In addition to the match ruling, CAF addressed several related incidents. Moroccan player, Ismaël Saibari was found guilty of misconduct, receiving a two match suspension _ one of which is suspended _ while a previously imposed financial penalty was withdrawn.
The board also held Morocco partially accountable for misconduct involving ball boys, reducing the associated fine. Penalties linked to interference near the VAR review area were upheld, while sanctions for a laser-related incident were reduced.
