In the wake of a dramatic AFCON 2025 final in Morocco, Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) president Abdoulaye Fall broke his silence, sharply criticising the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and raising fresh questions about how the tournament was run. Senegal secured a tense 1‑0 victory over hosts Morocco after extra time, but the match was overshadowed by controversy — including a brief walk‑off by Senegal’s players in protest of a late penalty decision.
Speaking publicly for the first time since the final, Fall accused CAF and the Moroccan hosts of bias and unfair practices. He claimed that Morocco’s influence within CAF gave it disproportionate control over tournament organisation, from refereeing appointments to training camp arrangements, and even alleged shortcomings in accommodation and security for the Senegal team. “No country opposed Morocco as Senegal did,” Fall said, suggesting that the North African host nation “controls CAF” and holds “all the cards.”
Fall also took aim at CAF’s handling of the final’s officiating, criticising the late announcement of match officials — only hours before kick‑off — which he said denied Senegal any opportunity to challenge referee appointments under the competition’s regulations. He described the explanation offered by CAF — that late notice was intended to “protect” match officials from pressure — as unsatisfactory.The Senegal FA boss didn’t stop at refereeing. He also highlighted logistical frustrations, saying his team was initially placed in unsuitable accommodation and at risk due to inadequate security, and that the federation had refused to use Morocco’s training base to avoid giving tactical insight to their opponents.
While Fall reaffirmed his respect for the competition and the team’s achievements, his remarks add to the storm surrounding a final that already drew widespread attention. CAF has condemned inappropriate behaviour during the match and is reviewing the incidents, and media reports suggest possible sanctions are under consideration.
As football fans across Africa digest both Senegal’s victory and the broader fallout, Fall’s outspoken critique has sparked debate about governance, fairness and the future integrity of the continent’s flagship tournament — issues likely to reverberate long after the final whistle.
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