Senegal have refused to return the Africa Cup of Nations trophy after being stripped of their title, escalating a dispute with African football’s governing body into a political and legal confrontation.
The Confederation of African Football (Caf) ruled this week that Senegal had “forfeited” the final against Morocco after players briefly walked off the pitch in protest, overturning their 1-0 extra-time win. The result has been officially recorded as a 3-0 victory for Morocco.
Senegal’s government has rejected the decision, describing it as unjust and calling for an independent investigation into Caf.
Marie Rose Khady Fatou Faye, a senior minister, said the ruling amounted to an attempt to erase “commitment, merit and sporting excellence”, adding that Dakar would pursue legal action through international courts.
Football authorities in Senegal have also moved quickly to challenge the verdict. The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) said it would appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the highest body for resolving international sporting disputes, a process that could take months.
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FSF secretary general Abdoulaye Saydou Sow said Caf’s decision had “no legal foundation” and insisted the country would not accept the outcome. “We will not back down,” he told national broadcaster RTS, adding that the trophy would remain in Senegal while the appeal proceeds.
The controversy centres on a chaotic closing phase of the final. With the match goalless deep into stoppage time, Morocco were awarded a penalty, prompting furious protests from Senegal players and a temporary walk-off.
After a lengthy delay, the penalty was eventually taken in extra time but saved. Senegal later scored what appeared to be the winning goal, and the trophy was presented on the pitch to captain Kalidou Koulibaly, with forward Sadio Mané lifting the cup.
Morocco’s football federation subsequently lodged a formal protest, arguing that Senegal’s walk-off breached competition rules. Caf’s appeal board upheld that complaint, triggering a decision that has drawn strong reaction in Senegal and beyond.
Players responded defiantly on social media, posting images with the trophy and dismissing the ruling. Some described themselves as the rightful champions despite the official reversal.
Caf has also taken disciplinary action linked to the final. Morocco midfielder Ismael Saibari received a two-match ban, one suspended, for misconduct, while the Moroccan federation was fined over the behaviour of ball boys involved in confrontations with Senegal players.
Morocco coach Walid Regragui criticised the walk-off, saying it had damaged the image of African football, though he acknowledged Senegal’s quality. Senegal coach Pape Thiaw later apologised for ordering his players off the pitch, admitting it was a mistake made in the heat of the moment.
Despite that admission, Senegal’s position remains unchanged. Officials argue that results decided on the field should not be overturned by administrative rulings, particularly in a final of such significance.
The case is now expected to move to CAS, where any final judgment would be binding on both sides. Such appeals have previously taken months to resolve, prolonging uncertainty over the outcome of major competitions.
For Caf, the dispute poses a test of authority. For Senegal, it has become a matter of principle. With the trophy still in Dakar and legal proceedings looming, the final result of this year’s Africa Cup of Nations remains contested — both on paper and in the eyes of those who believe it was already won on the pitch.
