It’s a real earthquake for the football world. Winner of the African Cup of Nations on January 18 against Morocco (1-0), Senegal was finally declared loser on the green carpet. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) sanctioned the Lions of Teranga with a forfeit, thus offering the victory (3-0) and the trophy to Morocco.
A decision with major consequences, which causes a shock wave across the continent. The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) reacted this Wednesday by announcing that it would seize the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to contest this verdict. For its part, the Senegalese government has requested the opening of an investigation into suspicion of corruption within CAF.
“For the defense of its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the Federation will initiate, as soon as possible, an appeal procedure before the CAS in Lausanne”declared the FSF. But the outcome could be unfavorable for the Senegalese, given a significant precedent on the continent.
The EST-Wydad case resurfaces
In 2019, during the final of the African Champions League between Wydad Casablanca and Espérance Tunis, a goal from the Moroccan club was refused while VAR was unavailable. As a protest, the WAC players left the pitch without resuming the match. Result: confirmed victory for Esperance. Seized by the Moroccan team, the CAS did not reverse the decision.
However, a major difference remains with CAN 2025: Senegal finished the meeting well. An element which could weigh in the analysis of the CAS, in particular with regard to law 5 of the IFAB, which stipulates that the arbitration decisions linked to the progress of a match, including its result, become final once the final whistle has been blown. It now remains to be seen whether this legal argument will be deemed admissible.
