Urgent investigation demanded by the Senegal government, harshly condemning CAF for serious corruption regarding the revocation of the AFCON 2025 championship.
On 18 March 2026, the Senegal government called for an independent international investigation into suspected corruption within the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after being stripped of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title in favor of Morocco.
CAF ordered Senegal's AFCON 2025 title to be revoked, accusing the team of a "walkout" protest during the January final after Morocco, the host nation, was awarded a penalty in stoppage time that delayed the match for 17 minutes.
Although Senegal captain Sadio Mané persuaded his teammates to continue playing, and despite Brahim Diaz's penalty being saved, Senegal won 1-0 in extra time to claim their second title, CAF instead awarded the championship to Morocco.
Recently, the Senegal government issued a statement calling the unprecedented and severe decision "a clear misinterpretation of regulations leading to an illegal and extremely unfair ruling."
"Senegal firmly rejects this illegitimate attempt to seize the championship, which could set a dangerous precedent for the future of sports across Africa," the statement said.
The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) revealed plans to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), describing the decision as unfair and damaging to African football's reputation. They claimed the committee disregarded rules and acted on orders, affirming that the fight is not over and Senegal will defend its rights to the fullest.