Senegal players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final football match against Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)
Senegal has called for an independent international investigation into alleged corruption following a controversial decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to strip the country of its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and award it to Morocco.
The dramatic ruling has sparked outrage in Senegal, with government officials and football authorities strongly rejecting the decision and vowing to challenge it through legal channels.
The controversy stems from the AFCON final played in Rabat on January 18, where Senegal initially secured a 1-0 victory after extra time. The match, however, was marred by a tense moment late in second-half stoppage time when Morocco were awarded a penalty.
In protest, several Senegalese players briefly walked off the pitch, halting play. The team later returned after being persuaded by captain Sadio Mané. Morocco went on to miss the penalty, and Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal in extra time.
Despite the result on the field, CAF announced on Tuesday that it had overturned Senegal’s victory following an appeal by Morocco. The governing body cited regulations concerning teams leaving the field of play, declaring Senegal to have forfeited the match and awarding a 3-0 win to Morocco.
The decision has been met with fierce criticism from Senegal’s government.
Government spokesperson Marie Rose Khady Fatou Faye described the ruling as unjust and damaging to the integrity of African football.
“By calling into question a result achieved at the end of a match that was properly played and won in accordance with the rules of the game, CAF seriously undermines its own credibility,” she said in a statement.
Faye further termed the decision “grossly illegal and profoundly unjust,” adding that Senegal “unequivocally rejects this unjustified attempt at dispossession.”
She called for “an independent international investigation into suspected corruption within CAF’s governing bodies.”
Senegal has also vowed to pursue legal redress. Authorities indicated that the country will explore all available options, including escalation to international courts.
The Senegalese Football Federation confirmed it will file an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport as soon as possible.
In a strongly worded statement, the federation condemned the ruling as “unjust, unprecedented and unacceptable,” warning that it risks bringing African football into disrepute.
The dispute now sets the stage for a potentially high-stakes legal battle that could have far-reaching implications for the governance and credibility of football on the continent.
