Senegal-Morocco AFCON 2025 final dispute proceeds to CAS
via SeneNews2 min read
The dispute surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON final has entered a new phase, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport CAS setting May 7 as the deadline for the Royal Moroccan Football Federation FRMF to submit its defense brief. The Senegalese Football Federation FSF appealed to CAS on March 25, contesting the Confederation of African Football's CAF decision to award the AFCON 2025 to Morocco after a chaotic final that Senegal initially won 1-0 on the field. The FSF is challenging both CAF and the FRMF over this decision. CAS confirmed receipt of Senegal's appeal, and in accordance with regulations, the requesting party has twenty days to present its arguments before the opposing parties respond. A request for suspension by the FSF has temporarily slowed the procedure, preventing a clear timeline or hearing from being scheduled. At the heart of the dispute is the CAF Appeal Jury's March 17 decision, which validated Senegal's forfeiture, overturning the initial match result. On January 18, during the match, Senegalese players left the field for several minutes to protest a penalty awarded to Morocco in the final moments. The dispute will follow a longer, more traditional path than simple arbitration. Both parties are currently in a written procedure, submitting their respective files. An arbitration panel of three independent arbitrators will be formed: one chosen by Senegal, one by the defense CAF and Morocco, and a neutral president designated by CAS. After con
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Ismaïla Sarr continues his strong performance in the Conference League for Crystal Palace F.C., scoring against FC Shakhtar Donetsk. The Senegalese winger entered the match at the start of the second half and netted a crucial goal, bringing his total to nine goals in the competition. This goal helped Crystal Palace secure a 2-1 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.
Real Madrid has confirmed an internal incident involving players Aurélien Tchouaméni and Fede Valverde, following reports in the Spanish press. Tensions reportedly began the day before the incident, escalating during a training session with heated exchanges and an electric atmosphere. Media sources indicate mutual accusations, including alleged press leaks, which one player reportedly denied. The situation culminated in an incident in the locker room, despite attempts by teammates to de-escalate. Club staff intervened to restore calm. Real Madrid has announced a disciplinary procedure to investigate the facts, with potential decisions to follow the internal inquiry. The club also released a statement regarding Fede Valverde's health, mentioning medical care and strict monitoring, without providing further details on his condition. The sports management will now decide on potential sanctions for both players.
Pape Thiaw, the coach of the Senegal national football team, has announced an upcoming video where he will discuss his first experience leading the Lions during the Africa Cup of Nations. In a social media post, the Senegalese coach described his time during the continental competition as an "exceptional adventure." He stated, "It is often said that there are several stories within a great Story. I have decided to tell you mine," adding the title "The Lion's Den." Through this announcement, Pape Thiaw suggests he will soon share behind-the-scenes insights into his journey with the national team, including emotions, challenges, and significant moments experienced within the Lions' den. This statement is highly anticipated by Senegalese supporters, who are eager to hear the coach's perspective on the continental campaign and his experience at the helm of Senegal.
Must ReadSenegalese football fans are concerned about Kalidou Koulibaly's availability for the 2026 World Cup. The defender, a key player for the Lions for over ten years, has been sidelined since April 8 after sustaining a thigh injury during training with Al Hilal. His coach, Simone Inzaghi, described the contusion, aggravated by an unusual subcutaneous hematoma, as a unique injury he had not seen in 30 years. Koulibaly, 34, with 102 caps, views this World Cup as his last. Neither his club nor the Senegalese Football Federation has provided a return date. Examinations in Spain revealed a grade 2 quadriceps muscle tear, requiring extensive rehabilitation. This situation is particularly worrying as the World Cup 2026 approaches, with Senegal's first match against France scheduled for June 16. In Koulibaly's potential absence, coach Pape Thiaw would need to rebuild the defense around Moussa Niakhaté. Potential replacements include Mamadou Sarr, Abdoulaye Seck, and Nobel Mendy. Young talents like Malang Sarr, Moustapha Mbow, Arouna Sangante, and Ousmane Diao are also being considered. An experienced option could be the return of Abdou Diallo, a versatile defender who was instrumental in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations victory.