Senegalese Football Federation: We received the cup and medals...and the coronation is a “closed case”

The Senegalese Football Federation officially announced that it considers winning the African Cup of Nations “Morocco 2025” a “closed” case, but at the same time it expressed its commitment to the regulations of the African Union, awaiting the final decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The president of the Senegalese Football Federation, Abdoulaye Fall, said during a press conference held Thursday in Dakar that “the events that occurred during the final match were normal,” adding that “the match was resumed, and a penalty kick was played (in favor of Morocco) and it was missed.” We went to extra time, then Senegal won 1-0.”

The Senegalese football official continued: “We received the medals and the cup. For us, this is a closed issue.”

The same spokesman considered that, “From a legal standpoint, Senegal cannot legally lose this match, nor can this title be withdrawn from Senegal.”

He stressed that his country “deserved” this cup (the African Cup of Nations) through its players, noting that an official mandate had been granted to a team of lawyers to pursue the “legal battle” before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

In this regard, Fall spoke about the team being composed of Senegalese lawyers, along with others of African nationalities, as well as lawyers at the international level. He declined to provide further details.

Responding to a journalist’s question about the possibility of returning the cup to the Moroccan national team after the CAF decision, Fall said that the Senegalese Football Association “will adhere to the regulations of the Confederation of African Football,” noting that “all measures that will be taken will be based on these regulations.”

In its review of the merits of the decision to appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the Senegalese Football Federation criticized the conditions of accommodation, training, and the atmosphere that preceded the final match.

He also criticized what he called, through a spokesman, “the chaotic circumstances of the disciplinary committee hearing of the Senegalese Football Federation,” as well as “the unjust imprisonment and conviction of 18 Senegalese fans, and the violation of defense rights in this regard.”

He said, “The Union will use all possible legal and regulatory capabilities in order to assert rights and restore justice,” in his words.

An official of the Senegalese Olympic Committee expressed, during the same symposium, “the committee’s support for the federation against the confiscation of the continental title,” noting that members of the committee are part of the team of lawyers that will pursue the file before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.