The fallout from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has taken a dramatic turn, with Morocco national football team threatening legal action to block Senegal national football team from parading the tournament trophy in France.
What was once a football controversy has now spiraled into a full-scale legal battle, exposing deep divisions between two of Africa’s football heavyweights.
The crisis stems from a controversial decision by Confederation of African Football to overturn the original AFCON final result and award the title to Morocco, despite Senegal initially being crowned champions on the pitch. The ruling, delivered by CAF’s Appeals Jury on March 17, has been fiercely contested by Senegal, who have refused to recognize the decision.
Tensions escalated further when Senegal announced plans to parade the trophy ahead of their international friendly against Peru at the Stade de France — a move that has provoked a strong legal response from Morocco.
Morocco Response
Moroccan lawyer Mourad Elajouti confirmed that formal notices have been issued to event organizers, including the stadium authorities, warning against any public display of the trophy under Senegal’s claim. According to him, such an act would effectively legitimize a title that has already been officially reassigned.
“Going through with this celebration would mean recognizing a championship that is no longer valid,” Elajouti argued, insisting that the trophy now legally belongs to Morocco following CAF’s ruling.
He went further to describe any attempt by Senegal to present the trophy as a potential “unlawful act,” signaling Morocco’s readiness to escalate the matter through legal channels if necessary.
Among the options being considered is placing the trophy under judicial custody a move that would temporarily remove it from both parties until the dispute is conclusively resolved. This possibility underscores the seriousness of the situation, especially as the case could still be reviewed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Morocco’s legal team has also warned that any individuals or organizations involved in facilitating the planned ceremony could face civil liability claims, further raising the stakes.
Senegal defence
On the other side, Senegal remain defiant. The federation has already submitted its defense as part of ongoing proceedings and continues to stand by its position as the rightful champion.
The dispute has now moved far beyond administrative disagreements within football governing bodies. It has evolved into a complex legal confrontation, reflecting a complete breakdown in relations between the two federations.
With both nations unwilling to back down, the situation is rapidly approaching a boiling point. Should Senegal proceed with the trophy parade, it could trigger immediate legal consequences and further inflame an already volatile situation.
