Mar 19 • 15:12 UTC 🌍 Africa RFI Afrique (FR)

CAN 2025: the Senegalese federation will use "all possible means to assert its rights"

The Senegalese Football Federation announced plans to appeal a controversial decision that overturned their victory in the CAN 2025 final, awarding the title to Morocco.

In a significant turn of events, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned Senegal's victory in the CAN 2025 final, giving the title to Morocco due to what is described as a decision made on the basis of controversies stemming from the match. This decision prompted outrage in Senegal, where the football community feels aggrieved by the manner in which the outcome was manipulated. On March 19, the president of the Senegalese Football Federation, Abdoulaye Faye, addressed the media in Dakar to announce that they would be challenging this ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS).

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) released a statement indicating that they are fully committed to fighting this ruling, stating they will employ all available legal avenues to overturn it. They have instructed their attorneys to file an appeal in Lausanne, which they believe to be a neutral and independent jurisdiction. Faye emphasized that the decision to strip Senegal of their title was perceived as unjust and harmful to the integrity of African football. In support of their cause, the Senegalese Olympic Committee has also expressed willingness to assist in the legal battle, showcasing the national commitment to restoring the rightful recognition of Senegal's achievement in the tournament.

This situation highlights the tensions within African football governance and the significant implications of decisions made by football authorities like CAF. The matter is not only an issue of sportsmanship but also of national pride, especially given the historical context of Senegal's recent successes in international football. As Senegal prepares for this legal challenge, there is a broader discussion about the fairness and transparency of sports administration in Africa, and how governance affects the sport's reputation on the global stage.

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