The drama surrounding the African Football Confederation (CAF) shows no signs of ending soon. Recently, the CAF awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title to Morocco by default, a decision the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has challenged in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Adding fuel to the fire, a prominent member of the CAF’s Appeals Jury has come forward with damaging revelations.
In an exclusive interview, Faustino Varela Monteiro, the CAF Appeals Jury vice-president, expressed his strong disagreement with the ratified sanction. “I fundamentally disagree with the decision,” he declared, exposing that he was the sole dissenting voice against the ruling that dealt a severe blow to Senegal, the Teranga Lions.
“I cannot endorse the interpretation that led to this decision. When the referee allows the match to continue and conclude, it implies there was no abandonment. Therefore, for a disciplinary body to conclude otherwise undermines the very essence of sportsmanship. “
internal dissent shakes the CAF’s decision
Varela Monteiro further argued, “Moreover, if the outcome of a match can be altered retroactively, then the concept of a final decision becomes meaningless.” He emphasized that the CAS would only reconsider on-field decisions if there is clear evidence of arbitrariness or bad faith. The CAF’s decision appears increasingly fragile as internal rifts surface.
Recall that on January 18th in Rabat, Senegal clinched victory in extra time thanks to a goal by Pape Gueye (1-0), following a match halted for nearly fifteen minutes. The Moroccan players had left the pitch in protest against a controversial penalty awarded to Morocco in added time, which Brahim Diaz ultimately missed.
