Dakar, Senegal — The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has vowed to fight the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) controversial decision to strip Senegal of its African Cup of Nations (AFCON) title. The FSF filed an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Wednesday, challenging the ruling that invalidated Senegal’s victory in the January 18 final against Morocco.
FSF President Abdoulaye Fall called the CAF’s decision an “administrative robbery” and promised a “moral and legal crusade” against it. Lawyer Juan de Dios Crespo Perez described the ruling as “crude, absurd, and irrational,” stating it violates fundamental sports laws and the sanctity of refereeing decisions.
Despite the CAF’s decision, Senegal maintains it remains the African champion. Lawyer Seydou Diagne warned that if the CAS upholds the ruling, it could lead to a precedent where the outcome of major football events is determined by legal maneuvering rather than on the pitch. The Senegalese legal team is bolstered by international lawyers from Switzerland, Spain, France, and Senegal.
The appeal process is typically lengthy, often taking nine to 12 months. Serge Vittoz, a member of the Paris-based legal team, has requested expedited proceedings. Senegal is set to face Peru in a friendly match in Paris on Saturday, while FSF President Fall has promised fans a showdown at the Stade de France on March 28.
Source: aljazeera
