Senegal Calls for Probe Into Nations cup Decision
Last update: March 18, 2026
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Government rejects ruling awarding title to Morocco and vows legal action.
Senegal on Wednesday called for an “independent international investigation” into alleged corruption after the Confederation of African Football stripped the country of its Africa Cup of Nations title and awarded it to Morocco.
The controversy stems from the final in Rabat on January 18, when several Senegalese players walked off the pitch in protest after a late penalty was awarded to the hosts during second half stoppage time.
The players later returned following intervention by captain Sadio Mané. Morocco missed the penalty, and Pape Gueye scored in extra time to seal a 1 to 0 victory for Senegal.
However, CAF reversed the result on Tuesday, citing rules related to teams leaving the field, and awarded Morocco a 3 to 0 win after upholding an appeal.
Government spokeswoman Marie Rose Khady Fatou Faye said the decision undermines CAF’s credibility by overturning a match that was properly played and decided according to the rules.
She said Senegal “unequivocally rejects this unjustified attempt at dispossession” and called for an independent international investigation into suspected corruption within CAF’s leadership.
CAF said that after reviewing Morocco’s appeal, Senegal was deemed to have forfeited the match and the result was officially recorded in Morocco’s favor.
Faye described the ruling as “grossly illegal and profoundly unjust” and said Senegal would pursue all available legal options, including action before international courts, to restore what she called the integrity of sporting results.
Pending arbitration, the Senegalese Football Federation has asked CAF to suspend implementation of the decision and halt any process of returning the trophy. It also confirmed plans to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport within 48 hours.
The government also expressed solidarity with 18 Senegalese fans detained in Morocco following unrest during the match. The supporters were arrested for alleged hooliganism and later sentenced to prison terms ranging from three months to one year, along with fines.
Authorities accused them of violence against security forces and damage to property during the match, when some supporters attempted to storm the pitch and threw objects.
The statement added that Senegal remains fully committed to monitoring the situation to ensure a fair and swift resolution.
