Senegal FA Chairman Accuses Morocco and CAF of Bias After AFCON Final

Abdoulaye Fall, president of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), has accused Morocco and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) of favoritism following the controversial conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. The remarks came a week after Senegal defeated host nation Morocco 1-0 in extra time, a match marked by a temporary walk-off by Senegalese players after a late penalty was awarded to Morocco.

Fall criticised several aspects of the tournament, including the accommodation, security, and refereeing arrangements for Senegal. Speaking in the local Wolof language, he highlighted what he described as preferential treatment for Morocco, noting that Moroccan Fouzi Lekjaa holds a vice-presidential position at CAF, which he argued gave the host nation undue influence over the tournament.

He also raised concerns over the late announcement of match officials, which prevented Senegal from challenging referee assignments within the established timeframe. “We were informed of the referee only the night before the match at 10 p.m.,” Fall said. “CAF claimed it was to protect the referee from pressure, but it left us unable to contest the appointment.”

Fall further criticised the relocation of the Senegal team to a noisy, centrally located hotel in Rabat and the absence of proper security upon arrival. He said Morocco initially sought to force the team to train at the advanced Mohamed VI football center, a move he claimed would have exposed Senegal’s strategies. After he threatened not to play, security arrangements were improved, alternative training facilities were provided, and a new hotel was assigned.

The final was also marred by contentious refereeing decisions. A late Senegal goal was disallowed, and a penalty awarded to Morocco was missed by Brahim Diaz after a video review. The events led to a temporary suspension of play and a pitch invasion by supporters, highlighting tensions surrounding the match.