The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has publicly displayed the Africa Cup of Nations trophy, which the national team, the Lions of Teranga, won in 2025. This act has led to a formal dispute with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
According to CAF regulations, the original trophy is meant to remain in CAF's possession, with the winning federation receiving a specially commissioned full-size replica. The FSF's public exhibition of the trophy, which they claim is the original, is viewed by CAF as a breach of this protocol.
CAF has issued a statement requesting the immediate return of the trophy to its headquarters in Cairo, Egypt. The confederation emphasized that the rules are designed to preserve the integrity and security of the original trophy, which is used for all official ceremonies.
The Senegalese federation has not yet complied with the request, arguing that the trophy rightfully belongs to the nation as the reigning champion. The standoff highlights ongoing tensions between national football associations and the continental governing body over symbolic assets.
