The Senegalese Football Federation has declared it will not return its Africa Cup of Nations trophy following a controversial decision by the Confederation of African Football to strip the country of the title and award victory to Morocco.

In a strongly worded statement, the federation described CAF’s ruling as “unjust, unprecedented, and unacceptable,” confirming plans to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in a bid to overturn the decision.

The dispute stems from the AFCON final, where Senegal initially secured victory after Pape Gueye scored in extra time. However, the match was marred by controversy after Senegalese players temporarily walked off the pitch during regulation time in protest of key officiating decisions.

Among the flashpoints was a disallowed goal by Ismaila Sarr and a late penalty awarded to Morocco following VAR review. Senegal’s coach, Pape Thiaw, was seen urging players off the field before they later returned. The penalty, taken by Brahim Díaz, was missed, and the game proceeded to extra time.

CAF’s Appeals Committee later ruled that Senegal’s temporary walk-off constituted a breach of Articles 82 and 84 of the competition regulations. These rules state that any team that leaves the field without the referee’s approval forfeits the match, resulting in a 3–0 loss.

The decision, announced weeks after the final, effectively overturned the result and handed Morocco the title—sparking widespread reactions across the football community.

Speaking after the ruling, FSF Secretary General Abdoulaye Sow insisted the country would resist the decision.

“The fight is far from over… Senegal has the right, and victory is on its side. The cup will not leave the country,” he said.

The case is now expected to move to CAS, where Senegal will seek a final legal resolution in what is shaping up to be one of the most contentious disputes in African football history.

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