![The president of the Senegalese Football Federation [FSF] Abdoulaye Fall speaking](https://farpost.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/the-president-of-the-Senegalese-Football-Federation-FSF-Abdoulaye-Fall-speaking-1200x625.jpg)
The AFCON controversy has taken another dramatic turn, with the president of the Senegalese Football Federation [FSF] Abdoulaye Fall, lifting the lid on behind-the-scenes tensions, late-night diplomacy and refereeing disputes surrounding Senegal’s disputed triumph over Morocco.
Fall disclosed that he received a call from Royal Moroccan Football Federation [FRMF] president Fouzi Lekjaa “at around 1 or 2 in the morning” following a public statement, saying they had to find solutions to their concerns. By the next day, Fall says he was in Lekjaa’s office, where assurances were given over logistical issues, including access to the stadium and additional tickets for Senegal’s delegation.
Despite that intervention, Fall insisted that Senegal was placed at a disadvantage. “We did not play this final under fair conditions,” he said during a press conference this week, pointing to confusion and unease over match organisation.
Central to Senegal’s grievances was the handling of the refereeing appointment. Fall revealed that officials were only confirmed via email late on the eve of the final, a move he described as highly irregular. Concerns were immediately raised, particularly as the referee had already officiated the tournament’s opening match and had a history of disputes involving Senegal.
‘IT WAS IMPORTANT TO HAVE IT ON RECORD’: ABDOULAYE FALL
A formal protest was drafted and submitted to CAF during the match itself, with receipt acknowledged. “It was important to have it on record,” Fall added.
Senegal went on to win the final 1-0 after extra time and were awarded the trophy and medals on the night two months ago in Rabat. “For us, the matter was closed,” Fall said. He expressed disbelief at the developments that followed, especially in the absence of an immediate post-match protest.
With the title now under dispute following a legal challenge, Fall struck a defiant tone. “From a legal standpoint, Senegal cannot lose this match off the field,” he said. He confirmed that the federation had mandated lawyers to lodge an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport [CAS].
“What’s even more astonishing is that there was no protest lodged in this match, even though this complaint was examined by the jury and declared admissible. At the end of this complaint, the jury made a decision, and we acknowledged it; that’s why we didn’t want to appeal.”
He also revealed that Senegal is supporting fans currently detained in Morocco, saying legal assistance had already been arranged and that the federation remains in close contact with their representatives.
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