The drama surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) title is far from over. Just two months after the final in Rabat, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) controversially awarded the championship to Morocco by default. Now, Senegal has taken legal action, challenging the decision before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Adding fuel to the fire, a senior member of the appeal jury has come forward with damning revelations.
In an exclusive interview, Faustino Varela Monteiro, vice-president of the appeal commission, strongly disputed the CAF’s ruling. «I fundamentally disagree with this decision,» he stated, revealing that he was the sole dissenting voice opposing the verdict that dealt a crushing blow to the Teranga Lions.
«I cannot endorse the interpretation that led to this outcome,» Monteiro continued. If the referee allowed the match to conclude naturally, it implies no abandonment occurred. For a disciplinary body to rule otherwise undermines the very essence of fair play.»
internal dissent over the caf’s controversial call
Monteiro further argued that «if match outcomes can be retroactively altered, the concept of a final decision becomes meaningless.» He emphasized that the CAS will not reconsider a ruling made on the field unless there is clear evidence of arbitrariness or bad faith. «The appeal process is not a second chance to rejudge on-field decisions,» he asserted.
To recap, on January 18 in Rabat, Senegal triumphed 1-0 in extra time, thanks to a goal by Pape Gueye. The victory came after a 15-minute interruption when Senegal players protested a controversial penalty awarded to Morocco in added time—one that Brahim Diaz failed to convert.