Saudi FA President: "We will face African champions Senegal on June 9"
T.E (Elbotola)
20 May 2026at14:00
Yasser Al-Misehal, President of the Saudi Football Federation, surprised Moroccan fans by describing the Senegalese national team as "African champions," despite Senegal being stripped of the title after withdrawing from the Africa Cup of Nations final.
Al-Misehal stated in press remarks: "We will face Ecuador on May 30, and African champions Senegal on June 9. There will also be a match announced on June 4 against one of the lower-ranked teams."
The Senegalese national team had withdrawn from the Africa Cup of Nations final, which led the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Committee to declare the Moroccan national team as champions, considering Senegal to have forfeited the final match. The case is expected to be definitively resolved before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after the World Cup.
What did the Saudi FA President say about Senegal?
Saudi FA President Yasser Al-Misehal referred to the Senegalese national team as "African champions" during a press conference. This statement came despite Senegal having been stripped of that title after withdrawing from the Africa Cup of Nations final.
Why was Senegal stripped of the Africa Cup of Nations title?
Senegal was stripped of the Africa Cup of Nations title because they withdrew from the final match. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Committee then declared the Moroccan national team as champions due to Senegal's forfeiture.
What is the next step regarding Senegal's title dispute?
The next step regarding Senegal's title dispute involves a definitive resolution expected before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). This legal process is anticipated to conclude after the upcoming World Cup, providing clarity on the championship status.
