AFCON 2025: Government of Senegal release official statement SHARE Things have certainly gone from bad to worse as the government of Senegal have released an official statement on CAF's AFCON 2025 decision. The Government of Senegal has escalated the crisis surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) by calling for an independent international investigation into "suspected corruption" within the Confederation of African Football (CAF). In a searing official statement released on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, the Senegalese authorities branded CAF’s decision to strip the nation of its title as "grossly illegal, profoundly unjust, and a sham." The move follows Tuesday’s ruling by the CAF Appeals Committee, which overturned Senegal's 1-0 extra-time victory over Morocco and awarded the hosts a 3-0 forfeit win due to a brief mid-match walk-off by the Senegalese players. "Truth of the Game" Under Attack The government’s communiqué, issued from the presidency in Dakar, argues that CAF’s administrative ruling directly contradicts the "cardinal principles of sporting ethics." "Senegal cannot tolerate an administrative decision that erases commitment, merit, and sporting excellence achieved on the field," the statement read. "By calling into question a result achieved at the end of a match that was properly played to its conclusion, CAF seriously undermines its own credibility and the trust of the African people." The Fight for the "Real" Champions The state’s intervention marks a significant escalation from a sporting dispute to a diplomatic and legal battle. The government confirmed it is fully backing the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) in its appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne. Key points from the government's stance include: Allegations of Corruption: A formal demand for an external audit of the decision-making process that led to the Appeals Committee’s ruling. A formal demand for an external audit of the decision-making process that led to the Appeals Committee’s ruling. Support for Players: A reaffirmation that Sadio Mané and his teammates remain the "rightful and only" champions in the eyes of the nation. A reaffirmation that Sadio Mané and his teammates remain the "rightful and only" champions in the eyes of the nation. Legal Recourse: Beyond CAS, the government hinted at pursuing "all appropriate legal avenues" in international courts to restore the nation’s sporting honour. The "Walk-Off" Technicality The controversy centres on Article 84 of the AFCON regulations. CAF ruled that when Senegal players briefly left the pitch in protest of a late Morocco penalty (ultimately saved), they effectively forfeited the match despite returning to finish and win the game. Party Official Position Senegal Govt Ruling is an "unfair sham" fueled by suspected institutional bias. CAF Appeals Senegal violated Articles 82 & 84; 3-0 forfeit to Morocco is mandatory. Morocco (FRMF) Stated they only requested the "strict application of competition regulations." The Senegalese government’s statement concluded with a call for calm among "furious" fans in West Africa, promising that the state will not rest until the "truth of the pitch" is recognised globally. Read the Latest Sport Trends and Get Fresh updates as they drop via X and Facebook