CAN 2025: Senegal risks sanctions after celebrating its title contested by Morocco

Although Senegal won the final in Rabat 1-0, the Appeals Commission of the Confederation of African Football designated Morocco as the winner by forfeit (3-0). This decision, based on the temporary withdrawal of the Senegalese players from the field, is currently being examined by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland, following an appeal by the Senegalese federation.

On Bladi.net: CAN 2025: Dakar protests against the "severity" of Moroccan justice

Ignoring this ongoing legal process, the Senegalese team exhibited the trophy twice as a sign of protest. These celebrations took place on Saturday in France before a friendly match against Peru, and then on Tuesday in Senegal against Gambia, as part of the preparation for the 2026 World Cup.

Speaking to Kooora, international sports lawyer Ralph Charbel described this approach as illegal under Article 48 of the continental body’s statutes. He recalls that the appeal procedure does not suspend the Moroccan consecration and believes that the African authorities could take action against this hasty attitude.

For its part, the Moroccan Bar Association has announced the upcoming filing of a complaint with the FIFA Ethics Commission. The association hopes that this festive behavior will weaken the Senegalese case during the final deliberation of the Swiss tribunal.

On Bladi.net: 2026 CAN Final: Morocco attacks CAF and appeals

However, Lebanese jurist Ralph Charbel doubts the effectiveness of this Moroccan counterattack. "I don’t think the FIFA Ethics Commission will sanction Senegal for this, and I don’t think it will affect the outcome of the case," he explains, stating that these festivities have no impact on the assessment of the facts that occurred during the final.