Sénégal Champions d’Afrique : Alexandre Ruiz Defends the Verdict After Controversy

The Senegalese national team finds itself at the center of a heated debate following the controversy surrounding its title at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN). While the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS) deliberates on the appeal filed by the Senegalese Football Federation, opinions remain sharply divided both locally and internationally.

The dispute centers on the CAF’s decision to strip Senegal of its victory in the final match against Morocco, awarding the title to the Moroccans instead due to disciplinary sanctions. Senegal has since appealed to the TAS, which has yet to issue a final ruling on the matter.

In a recent interview, French journalist Alexandre Ruiz reignited the discussion by taking a firm stance on the sporting outcome, irrespective of the legal proceedings. He emphasized that the final whistle of a match should determine the legitimate champion, stating: « For me, there was a final whistle, a winner, and at that whistle, the winner is right. Senegal is the champion of Africa. »

This declaration has resonated strongly within Senegal, where many supporters argue that the result achieved on the pitch should take precedence over administrative decisions. However, it is important to note that Ruiz’s remarks do not alter the current regulatory status. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has maintained its decision, which was based on the application of its disciplinary regulations that led to Senegal’s sanction and the subsequent change in the competition’s final outcome.

The Senegalese Football Federation, however, continues to contest this interpretation and awaits the TAS ruling, which is expected to provide a definitive resolution to the dispute. Until then, the title remains provisionally attributed to Morocco, pending the TAS’s final decision.

Beyond the legal technicalities, the debate highlights a broader tension within modern football: the balance between sporting results and institutional regulations. While some argue that the outcome on the field should be the ultimate determinant, others insist that disciplinary rules are an integral part of the game and can legitimately influence the final standings.

The controversy has sparked discussions not only about the legitimacy of Senegal’s claim to the title but also about the role of arbitration bodies like the TAS in resolving such high-stakes disputes. As the Senegalese public waits with bated breath, the world of African football remains on tenterhooks for a verdict that could redefine the narrative of the 2025 CAN.