Arabic version: السنغال تطالب بتحقيق بعد سحب الكاف لقب كأس الأمم الأفريقية

The Senegalese government has called for an “independent international investigation” into the Confederation of African Football (Caf) following its controversial decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and award it to Morocco. This decision came after Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest when Morocco was awarded a stoppage-time penalty during the final, which Senegal had initially won 1-0.

According to BBC News, the ruling was made after an appeal by the Moroccan Football Association (FRMF), which led Caf to declare the match a forfeit for Senegal, recording the result as 3-0 in favor of Morocco. The Senegalese government described Caf’s decision as “unprecedented and exceptionally serious,” asserting that it was based on a manifestly erroneous interpretation of the regulations.

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) announced plans to appeal Caf’s ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas), labeling the decision as “unfair” and damaging to African football’s credibility. FSF Secretary General Abdoulaye Seydou Sow emphasized that Senegal would continue to fight for its rights, stating, “The fight is far from over.”

The incident has sparked significant debate regarding the integrity of officiating and the broader governance of African football. Senegal’s players, including midfielder Idrissa Gueye, expressed their determination to retain their winners’ medals, citing their experiences during the final.

In response to the controversy, the International Football Association Board (Ifab) has initiated a consultation on how to handle player protests on the field. FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the act of leaving the pitch as “unacceptable,” emphasizing the need for a resolution that respects the integrity of the game. The situation remains fluid as Senegal prepares to pursue legal avenues to restore its title.