The drama surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Senegal and Morocco refuses to fade away. Months after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) controversially awarded the title to Morocco by default, Senegal has taken legal action, challenging the decision in front of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Now, a key figure within the appeals jury has come forward with explosive claims that cast further doubt on the legitimacy of the ruling.

In a candid interview, Faustino Varela Monteiro, vice-president of the appeals commission, publicly rejected the decision. « I fundamentally disagree with the outcome, » he declared, revealing that he was the sole dissenting voice in the unanimous verdict against Senegal’s Lions of Teranga.

« I cannot endorse the interpretation that led to this conclusion, » Monteiro continued. « When the referee allows the match to proceed to its conclusion, it signals that no abandonment occurred. For a disciplinary body to rule otherwise contradicts the very essence of fair play and sporting integrity. »

internal dissent grows over caf’s handling of the final

Monteiro went further, questioning the logical consistency of the decision. « If the outcome of a match can later be altered without compelling evidence, the concept of a final verdict becomes meaningless, » he argued. He emphasized that the CAS will not reconsider on-field decisions unless there is clear proof of arbitrariness or bad faith. « The TAS does not reopen rulings based solely on disagreement—there must be evidence of misconduct or procedural error. »

For context, on January 18 in Rabat, Senegal claimed victory in extra time thanks to a goal by Pape Gueye (1-0), following a match that was halted for nearly fifteen minutes. Senegal’s players had walked off the pitch in protest after a contentious penalty was awarded to Morocco in stoppage time—a penalty ultimately missed by Brahim Diaz.

By Boureima Amadou — Reporter