The Senegal national team is moving forward with the plan to parade the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations trophy before their friendly match against Peru in France on Saturday despite having the title stripped by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Board.
A programme for the match published by the official X account of the Lions of Terenga on Thursday includes a 15-minute ‘official presentation of the African Cup of Nations trophy’ as Senegal maintains being the African champions.
During a press conference in Paris on Thursday, Serge Vittoz, part a six-lawyer legal team leading Senegal’s efforts to appeal the March 17 decision that overturned the outcome of the 2025 AFCON in favour of Morocco, said “I’ll see you at the Stade de France on March 28” when asked if the trophy would still be presented.
Speaking further, Mr Vittoz argued that the Lions of Terenga are still the champions of Africa, noting that the CAF Appeals Board has yet to explain the reasons behind its judgment on the case.
“To be valid, a decision must be explained. It has not been, so Senegal are still African champions,”Mr Vittoz said.
Lawyer Seydou Diagne also claimed at the press conference that there has been no order from CAF or its appeals panel asking Senegal to return the trophy and medals.
“To reassure the supporters, the fans and those who believe in the right to justice and to the protection of sporting discipline values of football, do not worry.
“There is no decision today from CAF or its appeals jury that orders the Senegalese Football Federation or the national team to return their medals or to return the trophy on the pitch, those decisions do not exist,” Mr Diagne said.
On Wednesday, the Court of Arbitration for Sport officially confirmed it received an appeal from the Senegalese Football Federation regarding the matter, promising to rule “as swiftly as possible.”