The fallout from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final continues as the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) rejects CAF’s controversial ruling. On March 17, CAF announced that Morocco would be awarded the AFCON 2025 title instead of Senegal after a walk-off incident by Senegal’s players in protest over a disallowed goal and penalty decisions during the final in Rabat.
Evra Condemns CAF’s Decision
Patrice Evra, former French international, strongly criticized CAF’s decision, calling it “a scandal”. In a social media video, Evra stated, “It’s a disgrace for African football. A scandal. We all saw with our own eyes that Senegal won.” Evra, who acknowledged his love for Morocco, urged them to end the controversy. He also remarked that CAF’s ruling had damaged the reputation of African football, adding, “When I received the notification, I thought it was an April Fool’s joke.”
Evra expressed his frustration with the football governing body, saying “Nothing surprises me in football anymore, and that’s why I watch less. Decisions like this are a scandal.”
Senegal’s Dignity in Victory and Defeat
Meanwhile, Senegalese midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye responded to the CAF ruling on his social media platforms, focusing on the importance of dignity. “Titles, trophies, medals… all of that is fleeting,” Gueye wrote. “What really matters is that every supporter can return home and be reunited with their family. The Senegalese people have shown their true colours: dignity in victory, and dignity in hardship. That is what Teranga is all about.”
The Everton player made it clear that Senegal had earned respect, regardless of CAF’s decision, and declared, “We know what we went through that night in Rabat. And no one can take that away from us, inshallah.”
The Controversial Final
During the final, Senegal had secured a 1-0 win thanks to Pape Gueye’s goal. However, Morocco protested after a controversial penalty was awarded to them, which led to a brief walk-off by Senegal’s players. CAF reviewed the situation and, based on an appeal by Morocco, deemed that Senegal’s actions fell under misconduct violations per Articles 82 and 84 of AFCON regulations. As a result, CAF awarded Morocco the title with a 3-0 forfeit victory for Senegal.
Senegal’s Appeal Plans
The Senegalese Football Federation has made it clear that they will appeal the decision to CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport). FSF officials have stated, “The Federation will initiate, as soon as possible, an appeal procedure before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.”
This ruling and subsequent reactions are expected to have significant implications for future AFCON regulations, particularly in handling player protests and match conduct.
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