In a statement issued in Dakar on March 17, 2026, the FSF said it had taken note of the Appeals Board decision in case DC23316, which arose from a protest filed during the Afcon final between Senegal and Morocco.
The governing body described the ruling as “unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable,” arguing that it undermines the credibility of African football.
The Appeals Board’s decision followed a complaint lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), which challenged an earlier ruling by Caf’s Disciplinary Board.
The Appeals body found that Morocco’s right to be heard had not been respected in the initial proceedings, and on that basis, admitted and upheld the appeal.
It further ruled that Senegal’s conduct during the final fell within Articles 82 and 84 of Afcon regulations, leading to the forfeiture of the match. Under Article 84, Caf recorded the result as a 3–0 win in favour of Morocco.
The decision marks a stunning reversal of the original outcome of the final, where Senegal had secured a 1–0 victory after extra time in a tense and controversial encounter played in Morocco.
That match was marred by chaos late in the game, following a disputed penalty decision in stoppage time. Senegal’s technical bench protested the call, briefly halting play, while some supporters attempted to invade the pitch. The incidents triggered disciplinary proceedings against both teams.
Beyond the result itself, the Appeals Board also reviewed sanctions tied to the match. Morocco international Ismaël Saibari saw his punishment reduced to a two-match suspension, with one match suspended, and a $100,000 fine annulled.
The Moroccan federation was fined $50,000 over the conduct of ball boys, while a separate $100,000 fine related to interference around the VAR review area was upheld. A sanction linked to the use of lasers by supporters was reduced to $10,000.
The FSF now says it will take the matter to Cas in Lausanne “as soon as possible,” insisting it is acting to defend both its rights and the interests of Senegalese football.
The case sets up a potentially landmark legal battle at Cas, the highest authority for resolving international sports disputes, whose ruling could either uphold Caf’s decision or reinstate Senegal as champions.
The outcome is likely to have far-reaching implications for how disciplinary cases are handled in African football, particularly in high-stakes matches where governance, procedural fairness, and sporting integrity intersect.