The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) awaits its fate with bated breath as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Committee retires to deliberate on the chaotic scenes that marred the AFCON 2025 final. In a high-stakes hearing held in Cairo, Senegal’s top brass, including head coach Pape Thiaw and star players Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye, appeared before the jury to defend the team’s controversial decision to walk off the pitch against Morocco.

The incident, which has been dubbed "The Rabat Walkout," occurred in the dying minutes of the final on January 18, 2026. With the score tied and tension at boiling point, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a contentious penalty to hosts Morocco after a foul on Brahim Diaz. Furious Senegalese players, led by captain Sadio Mané, protested vehemently before collectively storming off the field, causing a 17-minute stoppage. Although they eventually returned and Pape Gueye scored an extra-time winner to clinch the title, the breach of protocol has attracted the wrath of CAF.

The Defense: "Safety First"

In a statement released today, the FSF confirmed their appearance before the disciplinary panel. Represented by Attorney General Seydou Diagne, the Senegalese delegation mounted a defense centered on "security concerns" and "poor officiating." They argued that the hostile atmosphere in the stadium, combined with what they termed "biased" refereeing, created an unsafe environment for the players. They also claimed there was no "definitive stoppage" of the match by the referee, framing their walkout as a temporary cooling-off measure rather than a forfeiture.

However, CAF President Patrice Motsepe and FIFA President Gianni Infantino have both strongly condemned the behavior. "It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner," Infantino remarked. The prosecution argues that Senegal’s actions brought the game into disrepute and incited the crowd. The stakes are incredibly high: sanctions could range from a hefty fine to a suspension of key players, or in the worst-case scenario (though unlikely given they won), a disqualification that would strip them of the trophy.

• Diplomatic Tensions: The football row has spilled over into politics. Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko is currently in Morocco for a 48-hour visit, a trip seen by analysts as an attempt to smooth over the diplomatic rifts caused by the match. The "football war" threatens to sour relations between the two friendly nations.
• The Verdict Timeline: CAF has announced that the decision will be communicated within 48 hours. The football world is watching: will CAF prioritize "Justice and Deterrence" as demanded by Moroccan legal experts, or will they opt for a diplomatic slap on the wrist to preserve the legitimacy of the champions?

A Stain on Victory?

Regardless of the outcome, the 2025 AFCON final will forever be remembered for the wrong reasons. For Senegal, the "Lions of Teranga," their second continental title is now tainted by an asterisk. They may have won the cup, but they are now fighting to save their reputation. The disciplinary ruling will define the legacy of this tournament: was it a triumph of resilience, or a failure of sportsmanship?