Tensions surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have escalated, with Senegal insisting it remains the rightful champion despite a controversial ruling by the Confederation of African Football.
The West African giants are set to parade the AFCON trophy ahead of their international friendly against Peru in Paris, in what appears to be a symbolic show of defiance against CAF’s decision to strip them of the title.
The Senegalese Football Federation has also intensified its legal battle, filing an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which has confirmed receipt of the case and pledged to deliver a ruling as quickly as possible.
Senegal, popularly known as the Lions of Teranga, had initially secured what would have been their second AFCON crown on January 18 after defeating Morocco 1-0 following extra time in a dramatic final. However, the match descended into chaos late on after Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty while the game was still goalless, prompting Senegalese players to walk off the pitch in protest.
In a stunning reversal, CAF later annulled the result and awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory, citing regulatory breaches linked to Senegal’s conduct during the match.
Reacting strongly to the decision, FSF President, Abdoulaye Fall, described the ruling as an “administrative robbery,” vowing that the federation would resist what it considers an injustice.
“Senegal will not bend the knee and will not compromise its values,” Fall declared during a press briefing in Paris. “Our fight now transcends the football pitch.”
