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The government of Senegal has called for an independent international investigation into alleged corruption at African football’s governing body after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) annulled Senegal’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations victory and awarded the title to Morocco.
Senegal had beaten Morocco 1-0 in the January final, but CAF ruled on Tuesday that Senegal forfeited the match after its players walked off the pitch in stoppage time when hosts Morocco were awarded a penalty.
After a 17-minute delay, Brahim Diaz’s attempted Panenka penalty was saved, and Senegal’s Pape Gueye later scored an extra-time winner.
CAF overturned the result following an appeal by the Moroccan FA, the FRMF, declaring a 3-0 win for Morocco.
In a statement, the Senegalese government said the “unprecedented and exceptionally serious decision” stemmed from “a manifestly erroneous interpretation of the regulations,” calling it “grossly illegal and deeply unjust.”
The Senegalese Football Federation said it would challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, describing the decision as “unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable.”
Its secretary general, Abdoulaye Seydou Sow, told state broadcaster RTS 1 that the ruling “is a breach of trust that is not based on any rule of law.”
Some players indicated they would not relinquish their medals. Idrissa Gueye wrote on social media that “no one can take away” what the players experienced in Rabat.
Read More: Morocco declared 2025 AFCON winners after CAF upholds petition against Senegal
The walk-off prompted the International Football Association Board (IFAB), football’s law-making authority, to open a consultation on how to address situations where players leave the field in protest at refereeing decisions.
Senegal’s team – except forward Sadio Mane – exited the pitch after referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty in the 98th minute, following a pitchside review advised by the video assistant referee (VAR).
The decision came shortly after Ndala had disallowed a goal by Ismaila Sarr.
Gianni Infantino condemned the walk-off, calling it “unacceptable” and saying such scenes “must be condemned and never repeated.”
The tournament had already drawn scrutiny over officiating and VAR consistency, with some journalists alleging favourable treatment for Morocco.
Senegal had raised concerns before the final about what it described as poor treatment and security issues upon arrival in Rabat.
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