Controversy Over 2025 AFCON Champions Continues as Senegal Takes Case to CAS

The controversy over the awarding of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title continues unabated and is even escalating. The dispute ANTARA the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has entered a new phase after Senegal officially brought the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

This step was taken following CAF's controversial decision to annul Senegal's victory in the final and declare Morocco as Champions.

However, based on the Match Result on the field, Senegal won 1-0 in the final match at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on January 18, 2026.

The controversy stemmed from a walk-out staged by Senegal as a form of protest during the match. 

CAF subsequently ruled that this action violated regulations, awarding a 3-0 victory to Morocco and thereby reversing the tournament's final outcome.

For Senegal, this decision is far from fair. FSF Secretary General, Abdoulaye Seydou, launched a strong criticism of CAF's ruling.

"An unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable decision. It tarnishes the reputation of African Football. This decision is a breach of trust not based on any rules of law," said FSF Secretary General Abdoulaye Seydou, as quoted by BBC News.

The FSF stressed that their fight will not stop at the regional federation level. The international legal route is the final option to overturn what they see as a damaging decision.

"We will not stop here. The law is on our side. The fight is far from over; Senegal will defend its rights to the end," stated Abdoulaye Seydou.

This case is now attracting widespread attention in African and global football. Beyond the legitimacy of the Champion, this dispute also tests the credibility of tournament regulations and CAF's authority in making crucial decisions.

With the appeal process at CAS now underway, the fate of the AFCON 2025 title is still not truly final. One thing is certain: this controversy is far from over anytime soon.