Senegal calls for inquiry into removal of its Africa Cup of Nations title
Senegal’s government on Wednesday called for an international investigation into what it said was suspected corruption within the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after the country was stripped of its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title.
CAF’s appeals board ruled on Tuesday that Senegal had “forfeited” the January final by walking off the pitch in protest during stoppage time, converting a 1-0 extra-time win into a 3-0 default defeat in favour of hosts Morocco.
In a statement, the government condemned CAF’s ruling as “grossly illegal and profoundly unjust” and called for the opening of an international independent investigation to address what it described as suspicions of corruption inside CAF’s leadership.
CAF did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Senegalese Football Federation earlier said it would appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, calling the ruling unprecedented and unacceptable and vowing to file its challenge in Lausanne “as soon as possible.”
The Moroccan federation, however, welcomed the ruling.
“The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) wishes to welcome a ruling that upholds respect for the rules and the stability necessary for the proper conduct of international competitions,” the FRMF said in a statement.
“From the first incidents that led to the interruption of the match, the FRMF made clear — and consistently reiterated — its sole request: the strict application of the regulations governing the competition.
“Its action was therefore never intended to challenge the sporting performance of the teams, but solely to seek compliance with the rules.”Senegal’s government on Wednesday called for an international investigation into what it said was suspected corruption within the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after the country was stripped of its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title.
CAF’s appeals board ruled on Tuesday that Senegal had “forfeited” the January final by walking off the pitch in protest during stoppage time, converting a 1-0 extra-time win into a 3-0 default defeat in favour of hosts Morocco.
In a statement, the government condemned CAF’s ruling as “grossly illegal and profoundly unjust” and called for the opening of an international independent investigation to address what it described as suspicions of corruption inside CAF’s leadership.
CAF did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Senegalese Football Federation earlier said it would appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, calling the ruling unprecedented and unacceptable and vowing to file its challenge in Lausanne “as soon as possible.”
The Moroccan federation, however, welcomed the ruling.
“The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) wishes to welcome a ruling that upholds respect for the rules and the stability necessary for the proper conduct of international competitions,” the FRMF said in a statement.
“From the first incidents that led to the interruption of the match, the FRMF made clear — and consistently reiterated — its sole request: the strict application of the regulations governing the competition.
“Its action was therefore never intended to challenge the sporting performance of the teams, but solely to seek compliance with the rules.”