Senegal calls for independent inquiry into alleged CAF corruption after CAN 2025 final ruling
In a strongly worded statement, the Senegalese government has vehemently rejected the African Football Confederation’s (CAF) decision to declare the Senegal national team forfeit in the CAN 2025 final against Morocco, awarding the title to the Atlas Lions. The administration condemned what it described as an unprecedented and severe breach of sporting ethics.
The government declared the ruling an « unjustified attempt to dispossess» the team, emphasizing that it « fundamentally contradicts the core principles of fairness, integrity, and respect for on-field realities» that underpin competitive sports.
Senegal has formally requested an independent international investigation into allegations of corruption within CAF’s leadership structures. The government vowed to pursue all legal avenues to protect the rights of the national team and uphold the honor of African football.
Meanwhile, Senegalese officials remain actively engaged in efforts to secure the release of supporters detained in Morocco following post-match disturbances. The administration reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a just resolution while maintaining a firm stance in defending the team’s legitimate interests.
CAF’s controversial decision
The African Football Confederation announced that Morocco was declared winner of CAN 2025 after Senegal’s team was ruled to have forfeited the final played on January 18. The decision stemmed from an appeal lodged by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), which CAF deemed procedurally valid.
According to CAF regulations, any team that refuses to continue playing without referee authorization is automatically declared loser and eliminated. Article 82 of the competition’s statutes was invoked to support this ruling, while Article 84 specifies that such teams lose matches by a 3-0 scoreline.
FRMF clarified that its appeal was not intended to challenge athletic performance but rather to ensure strict adherence to tournament regulations.
The Moroccan federation emphasized its commitment to competitive transparency and the stability of African football competitions, while congratulating all participating nations on what it described as a landmark tournament for the continent’s football development.
Key moments from the disputed final
The match had ended 1-0 in favor of Senegal following a dramatic sequence of events in the final minutes. With the score level at 0-0 in the 8th minute of added time, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a controversial penalty to Morocco after VAR review.
Enraged by the decision—and the earlier cancellation of a legitimate Senegalese goal by Ismaïla Sarr—head coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players off the pitch. The team remained absent for approximately 17 minutes before returning to complete the match.
Morocco’s penalty, taken by Brahim Diaz in a ‘panenka’ style, was comfortably saved by Senegalese goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. Pape Gueye subsequently scored the winning goal in the 4th minute of extra time, securing Senegal’s second continental title in five years.
Post-match reactions were heated. Moroccan coach Walid Regragui labeled Senegal’s actions as « disgraceful» and stated they « do not honor Africa.» FIFA President Gianni Infantino also condemned the « deplorable scenes» in a public statement.
Thiaw later acknowledged his error in ordering the team off the field, issuing a public apology to the football community. Morocco relieved Regragui of his duties on March 5, four months before the FIFA World Cup.
The Senegalese government continues to monitor the situation closely, calling for a thorough review of the events that unfolded during one of African football’s most contentious finals.