CAF President Patrice Motsepe has confirmed that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) will fully abide by any future ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding the controversial stripping of Senegal’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.

Speaking on March 18, 2026, Motsepe emphasized the right of every African nation to seek justice at the highest global levels of sports arbitration.

The statement follows a seismic decision by the CAF Appeal Board on March 17 to overturn Senegal’s 1-0 on-field victory against Morocco in the January final.

Citing Articles 82 and 84 of the tournament regulations, CAF declared the match a 3-0 forfeit in favor of Morocco.

The ruling was based on a 15-minute pitch walk-off by Senegalese players in protest of a late penalty awarded to the hosts. Although play eventually resumed and Senegal won in extra time, the Appeal Board determined the walk-off constituted a terminal forfeiture.

"I'm told that Senegal is going to appeal, which is very important,” Motsepe said in a video released by CAF.

“Every one of the 54 nations in Africa has a right to pursue their appeals and advance their interests, not only at the highest level in Africa, in CAF, but also at the highest body, which is CAF. We will adhere to and respect the decision that is taken at the highest level."

The decision has sparked a firestorm across the continent. The Senegalese government has rejected the ruling as "grossly illegal" and called for an independent international investigation into suspected corruption within CAF.

Meanwhile, Morocco has been officially declared champions, marking their first AFCON title since 1976.