The Government of Senegal has called for an independent international investigation into “suspected corruption” within the Confederation of African Football (Caf) following the decision by its Appeals Committee to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) title and award it to Morocco.
In a statement issued on March 18, 2026, the Senegalese government described the decision as “grossly illegal and profoundly unjust,” saying it “directly contradicts the cardinal principles that underpin sporting ethics, foremost among which are fairness, loyalty, and respect for the truth of the game.”
The statement added that Senegal would pursue all appropriate legal avenues, including international courts, to restore the nation’s sporting honor.
“Senegal cannot tolerate an administrative decision that erases commitment, merit, and sporting excellence,” the statement read.
“By calling into question a result achieved at the end of a match that was properly played to its conclusion, Caf seriously undermines its own credibility as well as the legitimate trust that the African people place in continental sporting institutions.”
Caf not only awarded Morocco the title but also reduced bans on Moroccan players and scrapped some fines while reducing others.
Caf framed the highly controversial decision on its Rule 82 and 84 of the game which says a team that abandons the game loses it by 3-0 with the federation claiming that Senegal had disadvantaged Morocco by walking off when Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a contested 98th minute penalty.
But the decision is at odds with Law 5 of the Laws of the Game which says referee has “full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game in connection with the match to which they have been appointed.”
In respect to the events of January 18 in Rabat, the law explicitly says: "decisions regarding facts connected with play, including whether a goal is scored, a foul has occurred, or misconduct is committed, are final. They cannot be changed by match officials after the fact, except in cases like administrative errors."
Referee Ndala indeed did not blow the final whistle during the chaotic 10-minutes when most of Senegal players walked out. He did resume the match with the very penalty taken.
Morocco's Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz missed the penalty with Senegal's Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal in extra time to claim the holy grail.
Posting about Caf's controversial boardroom decision, Sadio Mané, captain of the Senegal national team, echoed the government’s condemnation.
In a statement, he said: “What happened has gone too far. This is not the football we fight for, not the Africa we believe in. There is too much corruption in our game, and it’s killing the passion of millions of fans across the continent.
"Players give everything on the pitch, but decisions off it are deciding matches and trophies. I’m deeply disappointed not just for Senegal, but for African football as a whole. We deserve better. The fans deserve fairness, transparency, and respect.”
The ruling has sparked international outrage and criticism of African football governance. South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party condemned the decision, calling for the referee’s original match outcomes to stand.
“Caf’s Appeals Committee is undermining the credibility of the game and the passion of fans,” the party said.
The decision has left Senegal’s government and fans calling for accountability at the highest levels, with promises to challenge the ruling in global courts and to demand an independent review of Caf’s governing practices.
The Senegalese statement also expressed solidarity with citizens detained in Morocco following incidents at the Afcon final, pledging close monitoring of their situation.