Senegal has refused to return the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned the tournament final result, awarding the title to Morocco in a decision that has sparked widespread controversy.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) confirmed that the trophy “will not leave the country,” signaling a firm stance as the West African nation prepares to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The decision follows CAF’s unprecedented move to reverse the final result and declare Morocco 3-0 winners.
The controversy stems from a dramatic AFCON final that saw Senegal initially emerge victorious after extra time. The match, however, was marred by a walk-off led by head coach Pape Thiaw, causing a prolonged delay.
When play resumed, Brahim Díaz missed a crucial penalty after his effort was saved by Édouard Mendy. Senegal later secured what appeared to be the winning goal through Pape Gueye in extra time.
However, crowd unrest and post-match disputes prompted CAF’s appeals board to review the incident. The governing body ultimately ruled in favor of Morocco, awarding them a 3-0 victory and their second AFCON title.
Senegalese officials have strongly rejected the verdict, describing it as unjust and unprecedented. A federation member, quoted by French outlet L’Équipe, expressed outrage, warning that an upcoming CAF executive meeting could escalate tensions significantly.
Players have also reacted defiantly on social media, with some posting images of the trophy accompanied by messages such as “Come and get it,” underscoring the team’s refusal to recognize the ruling.
The Senegalese government has thrown its full support behind the federation. In an official statement, authorities condemned the decision, arguing it undermines “commitment, merit, and sporting excellence.”
The government further called for an independent international investigation into alleged corruption within CAF’s leadership and vowed to pursue legal remedies through international courts.
Senegal is expected to formally appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the highest authority for resolving international sports disputes. Meanwhile, CAF is scheduled to hold an executive committee meeting on March 29, where the issue could be further addressed.
As tensions escalate, the future of the 2025 AFCON title remains uncertain, with both legal proceedings and diplomatic pressure likely to shape the final outcome.
