Senegal Condemns CAF Appeal Decision Over AFCON 2025 Title
The Government of Senegal has issued a strongly worded statement expressing deep shock and outrage over the decision delivered by the Appeals Jury of the Confederation of African Football, which seeks to strip the Senegal national team of its Africa Cup of Nations 2025 title and award it to Morocco.
Describing the ruling as unprecedented and deeply troubling, Senegalese authorities emphasized that the decision undermines the fundamental principles of sporting ethics, particularly fairness, integrity, and respect for results determined on the field of play.
“Gravely Unlawful” Decision Based on Misinterpretation of Regulations
According to the official statement, the ruling is based on what the government considers a clear and serious misinterpretation of CAF regulations, resulting in a decision that is “manifestly unlawful” and fundamentally unjust.
The government stressed that overturning the outcome of a final match that was duly completed in accordance with the rules represents a direct violation of the core sporting principle that results must be decided on the pitch.
Senegal further warned that such a move severely damages the credibility of the Confederation of African Football and erodes the legitimate trust that African people place in continental sports institutions.
The statement highlighted that revisiting a concluded match result sets a dangerous precedent, raising serious concerns about the integrity and governance of African football competitions.
Senegal Rejects “Unjust Dispossession” and Demands Accountability
The Senegalese government unequivocally rejected what it described as an unjustified attempt to dispossess the national team of a legitimately earned title.
In a significant escalation, Senegal formally called for the launch of an independent international investigation into suspected corruption within CAF’s governing structures, signaling growing tensions surrounding the case.
Authorities in Dakar confirmed that Senegal will pursue all available legal avenues, including recourse to competent international judicial bodies, to ensure justice is served and the primacy of sporting results is restored.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to defending the integrity of competition and preventing similar decisions in the future.
Solidarity With Senegalese Nationals Detained in Morocco
In a related development, the government renewed its full solidarity with Senegalese citizens currently detained in Morocco following incidents linked to the AFCON final.
Officials confirmed that the case is being closely monitored, with ongoing efforts aimed at securing a swift and favorable resolution.
Concluding the statement, Senegal reiterated its firm resolve to defend the rights of its national team and to safeguard the honor and credibility of African sport.
The government emphasized that it will remain vigilant, determined, and unwavering until justice is
achieved.
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