By Frank Ulom
DAKAR (CONVERSEER) – The government of Senegal has accused the Confederation of African Football of corruption and called for an international investigation following the controversial decision to strip the country of its Africa Cup of Nations 2025 title.
The dispute escalated on Wednesday, a day after the appeals board of Confederation of African Football (CAF) ruled that Senegal forfeited the final match after walking off the pitch in January, resulting in the loss of the championship.
In a strongly worded reaction, the Senegalese Football Federation criticised the decision, describing it as unjust and damaging to the integrity of African football.
The situation intensified as the Senegalese government formally accused CAF of alleged corruption and demanded an independent international probe into what it described as “suspected corruption” within the organisation.
Officials in Dakar argued that the ruling undermines sporting fairness and called for transparency in the handling of disciplinary decisions at the continental level.
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The Senegalese Football Federation has also confirmed plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), based in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Legal proceedings at CAS are expected to be lengthy, with a final verdict potentially taking more than a year.
The controversy has continued to generate debate across the African football community, raising concerns about governance, disciplinary processes, and accountability within the sport’s top administrative body.
