The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) publicly defied the Confederation of African Football (CAF) by parading the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy at the Stade de France in Paris on March 28, 2026. This act followed a CAF directive ordering Senegal to return the trophy to Egypt, the original host nation of the canceled tournament.
CAF had officially canceled the 2025 AFCON, which was scheduled for Egypt, due to ongoing infrastructure and security concerns. The governing body instructed Senegal, the 2023 champions, to return the physical trophy. The FSF's decision to display it in France instead represents a significant act of protest against CAF's leadership and tournament management.
The parade, which featured players and officials, was framed by the FSF as a celebration of Senegalese football and a statement of sovereignty. CAF has not issued an immediate public response to the event. The confrontation highlights deepening tensions within African football administration regarding scheduling, hosting rights, and governance.
