The Government of Senegal has expressed “deep dismay following the decision issued by the Appeals Jury of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which seeks to strip the Senegal national team of its 2025 African championship title and award it to Morocco.”
“This unprecedented decision, of exceptional seriousness, directly violates the fundamental principles that underpin sporting ethics, foremost among them fairness, integrity, and respect for the truth of what occurred on the field. It is based on a clearly erroneous interpretation of the regulations, leading to a decision that is grossly unlawful and profoundly unjust.
“By calling into question a result obtained at the end of a match that was properly completed and won in accordance with the rules of the game, CAF is seriously undermining its own credibility as well as the legitimate trust that African peoples place in continental sporting institutions,” the Senegalese Government said in a Wednesday statement by Marie Rose Khady Fatou Faye, a Government Spokesperson and Secretary of State to the Prime Minister in charge of Relations with Institutions.
“Senegal cannot tolerate an administrative decision that erases commitment, merit, and sporting excellence. Senegal unequivocally rejects this attempt at unjustified dispossession.
“It calls for the opening of an independent international investigation into suspicions of corruption within CAF’s governing bodies,” the Senegalese Government further said.
“Furthermore, Senegal will pursue all appropriate avenues of appeal, including before competent international judicial bodies, in order to ensure that justice is served and that the primacy of sporting results is restored.
“The Government takes this opportunity to reaffirm the solidarity of the entire nation with Senegalese citizens detained in Morocco following incidents during the AFCON final. It remains fully mobilized in monitoring this matter to achieve a favorable outcome as soon as possible.
“Senegal will remain resolute, vigilant, and unwavering in defending the rights of the Senegalese national team and restoring the honor of African sport,” the Senegalese Government Spokesperson concluded.
