Controversial caf decision shakes Senegal Morocco can 2025 final

The suspense surrounding the CAN 2025 final continues to unfold. Just two months after the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) controversially declared Morocco the African champions, Senegal has taken legal action against the decision, filing an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS). Adding fuel to the fire, a senior appeals jury member has now come forward with damning revelations.

In an exclusive interview, the vice-president of the appeals commission openly challenged the CAF’s ruling. « I strongly disagree with this decision », declared Faustino Varela Monteiro, revealing he was the sole dissenting voice against the ruling that dealt a severe blow to the Lions of Teranga.

« I cannot endorse the interpretation that led to this outcome », he continued. « When the referee allows a match to proceed to its conclusion, it implies there was no abandonment. If a disciplinary body reaches a different conclusion, it undermines the very essence of fair play. »

internal CAF dispute over the controversial ruling

« Furthermore, if match outcomes can be retroactively altered, then the concept of a final decision becomes meaningless », he asserted. He went on to emphasize that « the TAS will not reconsider a decision made on the field unless there is compelling evidence of arbitrariness or bad faith. »

For context, on January 18 in Rabat, Senegal secured a 1-0 victory over Morocco in extra time, following a goal by Pape Gueye. The match had been halted for nearly 15 minutes after Senegal players protested a late penalty awarded to Morocco, which was ultimately missed by Brahim Diaz.