In an official statement released on Wednesday, the Senegalese government also demanded a probe into what \u2060it said was \u200bsuspected \u200ccorruption within the CAF.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe Government of Senegal expresses its deep dismay following the decision delivered by the Appeals Jury of CAF, aimed at stripping the Senegal national team of its 2025 African champion title and awarding it to Morocco,\u201d The government wrote in an official statement.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSenegal cannot tolerate an administrative decision erasing commitment, merit, and sporting excellence. Senegal unequivocally rejects this attempt at unjustified dispossession,\u201d it added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The government also called for an independent international investigation into alleged corruption within CAF\u2019s leadership, signalling a sharp escalation in the dispute.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt calls for the opening of an independent international investigation into suspected corruption within CAF\u2019s governing bodies. 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 the sporting result is restored,\u201d the statement added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The controversy stems from the final of the AFCON 2025 in Morocco, where a complaint during the game triggered disciplinary proceedings. While the CAF\u2019s disciplinary board had earlier ruled in Senegal\u2019s favour, that decision was overturned by the CAF\u2019s appeals committee.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt calls for the opening of an independent international investigation into suspected corruption within CAF\u2019s governing bodies. 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 the sporting result is restored,\u201d the statement added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The CAF Appeals Board sided with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), stating that Morocco\u2019s right to be heard had not been respected in the initial proceedings. The appeal board ruled that Senegal had breached Articles 82 and 84 of the tournament regulations. As a result, the match was awarded to Morocco as a 3-0 forfeit victory.<\/p>\r\n\r\n