CAN 2025: GLOBAL OUTRAGE WAVE AFTER CAF DECISION, SENEGAL DEFENDED ON ALL FRONTS

The decision of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) appeals jury, announced late Tuesday night to early Wednesday morning, continues to create shockwaves beyond the African continent. By awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) on a technicality, after declaring Senegal forfeit based on article 84 of the regulations, the governing body of African football is facing widespread backlash, fueled by prominent football figures.

Since the official announcement, reactions have poured in on social media and in international media outlets, reflecting a general sense of confusion and controversy surrounding the belated decision.

Among the first voices of dissent was Augustin Senghor, former president of the Senegalese Football Federation and member of the CAF Executive Committee. According to him, the appeals jury crossed a line by overruling the referee of the final match.

“Africa and the world will recognize the true champions,” he stated, asserting that Senegal remains the rightful winner of the competition.

This sentiment was echoed by Claude Le Roy, a respected figure in African football, who criticized the current governance of CAF and characterized the situation as “ridiculous.” He argued that while Morocco had a strong campaign, the final clearly favored Senegal. He firmly believed that the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will eventually restore the Teranga Lions’ rightful victory.

The repercussions of this decision extend beyond the realm of sports. Former French international player Samir Nasri warned that it could seriously damage CAF’s credibility. This concern is shared by many observers, who perceive the governance as contentious and the decisions as inconsistent.

On the media front, international press outlets have harshly criticized the decision, with Spanish newspapers AS and Marca labeling it a “global scandal,” while La Gazzetta dello Sport joked that it was “not an April Fools’ joke.” German outlet Der Spiegel referred to it as a “retroactive champion,” and the British Daily Mail highlighted the unprecedented nature of a sanction issued almost two months after the final.

From the perspective of the main stakeholders, confusion has turned to anger. Senegalese players have expressed their frustration on social media, with defender Moussa Niakhaté posting a picture holding the trophy with the message “Come and get it!” Former Senegal coach Alain Giresse also criticized the decision as disconnected from reality and unjustly harsh on Senegal.

As the possibility of a review looms, one thing is clear: this incident has deeply affected African football. Amidst a crisis of confidence and institutional rifts, CAF finds itself grappling with one of the most sensitive episodes in its recent history.