By Adedapo Adesanya

The Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) has confirmed that the Senegalese Football Federation has appealed the decision to declare Morocco as the winners of the AFCON 2025, asking to be restored as the original winners.

The appeal, registered by CAS on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, is “to set aside the CAF decision and declare the FSF winners of AFCON”.

It is not clear at the moment when the final ruling will be made, but the court has ordered a freeze on the implementation of the initial verdict.

This places the title in legal limbo until a full hearing is held in the coming weeks.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) sparked outrage last week after it declared Morocco as champions of the continental showpiece following a walkout staged by the Senegal team in January, but later returned to defeat the hosting nation, 1-0.

CAF, in the statement announcing the decision, said “the Senegal national team is declared to have forfeited the match,” a 1-0 victory in the final, “with the result being officially recorded as 3-0” in favour of Morocco.

The decision follows an appeal by the Moroccan FA, which CAF said is “declared admissible in form” and was upheld.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) said in a statement, “its action was never intended to contest the sporting performance of the teams participating in this competition, but solely to request the application of the competition regulations”.

During the final on January 18, with the scoreline 0-0, Congolese referee Jean Jacques Ndala gave a spot-kick in the eighth minute of added time.

Referee Ndala was advised by the video assistant referee (VAR) to consult the pitchside monitor and review defender El Hadji Malick Diouf’s challenge on Diaz.

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw, still incensed by the decision a few moments earlier to disallow a Senegal goal from Ismaila Sarr, ushered his team off the field.

CAF added that “through the conduct of its team”, Senegal infringed on Article 82 of the regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, and as a result, Article 84 became applicable.

Article 82 states that if a team refuses to play or leaves the ground before the end of regulation time without the referee’s authorisation, it will be considered the loser and eliminated from the competition.

Article 84 complements this provision, stating that any team that violates Article 82 will be permanently eliminated and will lose the match 3-0.

After the decision, the Senegal coach took the trophy on a tour to the country’s military headquarters while President Bassirou Diomaye Faye joined the chorus of disapproval by changing his profile picture across his official social media accounts to an image of the AFCON trophy displayed behind him.

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1xBet partners and all AGE 2026 participants can look forward to interactive entertainment, including a giveaway from the company – an Apple iPhone 17 Pro, scheduled for March 25 at 4:00 P.M.

For 1xBet, Africa is a strategically important region, and participation in regional industry events provides the brand with a unique opportunity to deepen its understanding of the local market context and strengthen its leadership position.

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About AGE

Africa Gaming Expo (AGE) is one of Africa’s largest iGaming exhibitions, dedicated to the integration of innovations and cutting-edge fintech solutions. The forum unites operators, regulators, investors, businesspeople, and other industry experts. This year, the event will be attended by over 7,000 delegates to showcase the latest technologies and exchange experiences.

By Dipo Olowookere

Liverpool legend, Mohammed Sallah, has announced his intention to leave the Merseyside club at the end of this season.

In a message to the fans on Tuesday, the Egyptian player thanked the club for the support and affection shown to him since he arrived at Anfield nine years ago.

Sallah, who has netted 189 times for Liverpool in 310 appearances so far, said, “This club will always be my home to me and to my family.”

He relished his time at the Reds, noting that he never thought he would leave at this period.

The former Roma and Chelsea player has struggled with form this season, as he has not been able to impress Anne Slot, who has had to bench him in some matches. He has only managed 10 goals in 34 games this season for the club.

“Hello everyone, unfortunately, the day has come. This is the first part of my farewell. I will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.

“I wanted to start by saying that I never imagined how deeply this club, this city, these people would become part of my life.

“Liverpool is not just a football club, it’s a passion, it’s a history, it’s a spirit. I can’t explain in words to anyone not part of this club.

“We celebrated victory, we won the most important trophies, and we fought together through the hardest time in our lives.

“I want to thank everyone who was part of this club throughout my time here, especially the teammates, past and present.

“And to the fans, I don’t have enough words. The support you showed me through the best time of my career, and you stood by me in the toughest times. It’s something I will never forget and something I will take with me always.

“Leaving is never easy. You gave me the best time of my life. I will always be one of you.

“This club will always be my home to me and to my family,” the 33-year-old former African Footballer of the Year said in a video on Tuesday night.