Morocco-Senegal: The secret war of the federations moves to the CAS, who will win?

Abdoulaye Fall, president of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), denounced an "administrative robbery" during a press conference in Paris. The leader contests the CAF’s decision to award the victory to Morocco. He claims that "the fight goes beyond the green rectangle" and is engaging in a battle for ethics.

On Bladi.net: Affair of the 2025 AFCON: videos and referee’s report in support, Lekjaa serene before the Court of Arbitration for Sport

The Senegalese strategy is based on the politicization of the conflict. Abdoulaye Fall evokes a "moral crusade" and denounces a supposed Moroccan influence on the bodies of African football. Dakar is mobilizing its political and diplomatic relays to support this challenge, which is based on the final nature of the refereeing decisions.

Fouzi Lekjâa, president of the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), adopts an opposite posture based on discretion. According to Jeune Afrique, Morocco favors a strictly legal approach without media overbidding. The Moroccan federation is sticking to the rigorous application of the disciplinary regulations of the competition.

The dispute mainly concerns the withdrawal of the Senegalese players in the 96th minute of the final. Morocco invokes Article 84, which provides for a forfeit defeat for any team leaving the field without authorization. Fouzi Lekjâa assures that his file is "ready and complete", relying on the official reports of the referee.

On Bladi.net: 2026 AFCON: Why Morocco failed to obtain the victory by forfeit

The final arbitration now falls to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). A decision could be made within two months in the event of an accelerated procedure. In the meantime, the two nations continue to oppose each other on the interpretation of a final that will have marked the history of African football by its extra-sporting outcome.