Senegalese FA Lawyer: "CAF Decision Does Not Withdraw Title or Medals"

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has rejected the notion of returning the Africa Cup of Nations title and medals, asserting that there is no legal basis compelling them to do so. This stance comes despite a decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Committee, which deemed Senegal to have "withdrawn" from the final, awarding a 3-0 victory to the Moroccan national team.

Lawyer Seydou Dione, who is representing the Senegalese Federation in the case before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), revealed that the Appeals Committee's decision does not contain any explicit clause for the withdrawal of the title or the retrieval of medals. He clarified, "There is no withdrawal of the title or medals in the decision," indicating that the Senegalese national team is not obliged to return the trophy.

Dione further added that the "Lions of Teranga" are not in a legal position that forces them to surrender the title, given the absence of any official text mandating such an action. He emphasized that the announced decision lacks legal justification, which weakens its enforceability under Swiss law.

In a related context, the Senegalese defense is challenging the principle of a disciplinary committee overturning referee decisions, considering it contrary to CAF regulations and the laws of the game. This is what prompted the Senegalese Federation to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to settle the dispute.

The Senegalese side asserts that until a final decision is issued by CAS, they remain the legal champions of Africa, retaining the trophy without any current legal risks.