Senegal are not required to return the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations trophy despite a ruling awarding the title to Morocco by default, according to a senior African football official.
The decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) appeals jury has sparked widespread debate across the continent, with questions raised over the legitimacy of Senegal’s title and whether the trophy should be handed back.
However, Augustin Senghor, a former first vice-president of CAF and head of its legal committee, has clarified that no such directive was issued.
Speaking in a televised interview, he stressed that the ruling did not include any instruction for Senegal to surrender the trophy or medals.
Instead, the jury’s decision focused solely on awarding Morocco a victory by default, while also easing some of the sporting sanctions that had previously been imposed on the North African nation.
The distinction is significant. Without a formal order requiring the return of the trophy, Senegal remain legally entitled to keep the silverware, at least for now.
The issue, which has developed into a complex legal dispute, may ultimately be decided by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the highest authority in international sports arbitration.
Across Senegal, the situation has generated intense public discussion. From the streets of Dakar to television studios, the question of whether the trophy should be returned has divided opinion.
For many supporters, the trophy represents a victory earned on the pitch, making the idea of relinquishing it difficult to accept.
The controversy has also drawn attention beyond Africa, highlighting broader concerns about governance, disciplinary decisions and the interpretation of football regulations at continental level.
Despite the uncertainty, Senegal’s planned celebrations appear set to go ahead. A parade scheduled at the Stade de France is expected to proceed, with organisers maintaining that there is no legal basis to cancel or alter the event.
For now, the situation remains unresolved. While Morocco have been recognised as winners through administrative decision, Senegal continue to hold the physical symbols of triumph.
Until a final ruling is delivered, potentially by CAS, the unusual scenario leaves African football facing one of its most complex and debated disputes in recent years.
