Senegal Defies Title Stripping with AFCON Trophy Parade Plans

Thu Mar 26 2026 20:06:01 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Despite having their Africa Cup of Nations title revoked, Senegal’s Football Federation announces a trophy parade amidst ongoing appeals against the decision.

Senegal's Football Federation plans to showcase the Africa Cup of Nations trophy before a friendly match against Peru, even after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) ruled to withdraw the title following the chaotic final against Morocco. The FSF is appealing the decision, claiming it amounts to an unprecedented 'theft' in sports governance, and they are prepared to fight for justice. The parade symbolizes Senegal's resilience and determination to maintain their identity as champions.

Senegal plan to parade the Africa Cup of Nations trophy before their game against Peru in Paris on Saturday, with the head of the country's Football Federation vowing a crusade against the decision to strip the team of the title.

The Lions of Teranga claimed their second Afcon title on 18 January when they beat hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time in a final which ended in chaotic scenes when the Senegal players walked off the pitch after their opponents were awarded a stoppage-time penalty with the match goalless.

But last week the Confederation of African Football (Caf) overturned that result, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory.

On Tuesday, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) confirmed receipt of Senegal's appeal against that decision, promising to rule as swiftly as possible.

FSF president Abdoulaye Fall, at a press conference in Paris, stated, Faced with what amounts to the most blatant and unprecedented administrative robbery in the history of our sport, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) refuses to accept this as inevitable.

Fall declared that Senegal would not compromise its values, emphasizing that their fight extends beyond the football pitch.

Following the controversial final in Rabat, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) lodged a complaint with Caf and Fifa, claiming Senegal's actions greatly affected the match's normal course.

Initially, Caf's disciplinary committee rejected the appeal, but the appeals board later agreed that Senegal had violated competition regulations.

Senegal's government has called for an investigation into alleged corruption within Caf, a claim dismissed by Caf's president.

With the final decision resting with Cas, the FSF plans a parade of the cup as a symbolic gesture to uphold their claim as champions. Fall asserted that they appointed a skilled legal team to tackle this issue, highlighting the absurdity of the stripped title.

As tensions rise, the planned parade on Saturday symbolizes Senegal's defiance against the title revocation and their ongoing battle for justice and recognition.