Defying CAF Decision: Senegal Parades with AFCON Trophy in International Friendly

Paris, France: Despite being stripped of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFON) title, Senegal on Saturday paraded the prestigious trophy at the Stade de France before the kickoff of their friendly encounter against Peru.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) revoked Senegal's 2025 AFCON championship title earlier this month and awarded it to Morocco. 

This followed a ruling by the CAF Appeal Board on the brief walkout action by the Senegalese in the AFCON final against Morocco which they won 1-0.

The ruling was based on complaints filed by Morocco regarding Senegal's conduct in the final. CAF said Senegal's action breached Article 84 of its Regulations governing the Africa Cup of Nations.

As such, the football governing body declared that Senegal thereby forfeited the match by 3-0 and that Morocco is the new champion.

However, Senegal has opposed CAF's decision, with the latest parade of the trophy in their possession coming as a total defiance to relinquish the crown.

They beat Peru 2-0 in the friendly in Paris, France, which was their first encounter since the 2025 AFCON final.

Before the match against Peru, captain Kalidou Koulibaly and his teammates entered the pitch with the AFCON trophy for a lap of honour, before Koulibaly and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy went up to the stadium's presidential box to place the trophy there.

The Senegalese also played in a kit with two stars above their badge to signify having won two AFCON titles - the disputed 2025 tournament and their previous 2021 title.

CAF has urged Senegal to turn over the title but to no avail.

In contention to retain the title, Senegal has appealed the CAF decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The nation is calling for a reconsideration of the football governing body's move against it.

CAS has acknowledged Senegal's appeal and is expected to rule on the matter which will determine the Senegalese fate for the championship.