The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has announced plans for a public parade with the Africa Cup of Nations trophy in Dakar on Saturday, March 29, 2026. This comes despite the Confederation of African Football (CAF) stripping Senegal of the 2025 title earlier this week.
CAF's disciplinary board ruled that Senegal fielded an ineligible player during the tournament, specifically in the semi-final match. The exact nature of the ineligibility was not detailed in the public ruling. As a result, CAF awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title to Morocco, the runner-up.
The FSF has stated it will appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Federation officials maintain their innocence, calling the sanction "unjust" and vowing to fight it through all legal channels. The planned trophy parade is being framed as an act of defiance and a show of support for the national team, known as the Lions of Teranga.
Morocco's football federation has acknowledged CAF's decision awarding them the title. The controversial final, held in Rabat, had ended with Morocco defeating Senegal after a missed penalty by Brahim Díaz in extra time.
