The Senegalese Football Federation has lodged a formal protest against CAF’s decision to crown Morocco as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations champions, confirming plans to escalate the dispute to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

On Tuesday, CAF’s Appeal Board decreed that Morocco be declared winners, overturning the original result of the final against Senegal. This ruling stems from the January 19 incident in Rabat, where the Senegalese squad abandoned the pitch, resulting in a forfeited match.

Expressing their dissatisfaction at the ruling,
Abdoulaye Seydou Sow, Secretary General of the Senegalese FA, told the public broadcaster Radiodiffusion Télévision Sénégalaise: “This is a travesty; this decision is based on absolutely nothing. It has no legal foundation … The president of the federation will get in touch with the lawyers; we will engage with the appropriate authorities, and then we will go to the court of arbitration for sport, which will issue the final decision.”

Sow described the ruling as a “shame for Africa” and said: “We will not back down. Senegalese people should have no doubt. The truth is on Senegal’s side, the law is on Senegal’s side.“

Senegal’s football officials argued the verdict compromises the integrity of the sport. In a categorical statement, the federation labeled the ruling biased and a threat to the credibility of African football.

They are currently finalizing an appeal to CAS to challenge the decision and safeguard the nation’s sporting interests, promising to keep fans informed as the legal process unfolds.