CAF internal dissent revealed over Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final verdict

The decision by the Confederation of African Football CAF to award the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title to Morocco, weeks after the final, continues to generate controversy, particularly from Senegal. Faustino Varela Monteiro, vice-president of the CAF appeal jury, has publicly opposed this decision, stating he was the sole member to vote against the sanction targeting the Senegalese team. He disputes the interpretation adopted by the majority, arguing that the referee allowing the match to conclude indicates there was no abandonment, thus deviating from sporting principles. Monteiro also highlighted that altering a decision made on the field post-match undermines the concept of a final result. He mentioned that an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport is possible, though such a body typically overturns decisions only with clear evidence of arbitrariness or bad faith. The final, held on January 18 in Rabat, saw Senegal win 1-0 after extra time, with a goal from Pape Gueye. The match included a 15-minute interruption when Senegalese players temporarily left the field to protest a penalty awarded to Morocco, which was subsequently missed by Brahim Díaz. Despite the on-field outcome, CAF's later decision to award the title to Morocco on a technicality remains a point of contention within African football's governing body.