The drama surrounding the CAN 2025 final continues to unfold. Just two months after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) controversially awarded the title to Morocco after the match, Senegal has taken legal action at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Now, an influential member of the appeal jury has come forward with explosive claims that cast further doubt on the legitimacy of the decision.
In an exclusive interview, Faustino Varela Monteiro, vice-president of the appeal commission, declared his strong opposition to the ruling. «I fundamentally disagree with this decision,» he stated, revealing that he was the sole dissenting voice in the process. His stance highlights deep internal divisions within the CAF regarding the outcome of the final.
«I cannot accept the interpretation that led to this conclusion. When the referee allows the match to conclude, it implies there was no abandonment. Any disciplinary body reaching a different conclusion is undermining the very essence of sport.»
the caf ruling faces internal backlash
Monteiro went on to criticize the CAF’s approach, arguing that «if match outcomes can be retroactively altered, the concept of a definitive decision becomes meaningless.» He emphasized that the CAS will not reconsider a decision made on the field unless there is clear evidence of arbitrariness or bad faith. This stance underscores the legal and ethical challenges facing the CAF’s handling of the case.
For context, the match in question took place on January 18 in Rabat, where Senegal clinched victory in extra time thanks to a goal from Pape Gueye (1-0). The contest was briefly halted for nearly 15 minutes when Senegalese players walked off the pitch in protest over a late penalty awarded to Morocco. The decisive spot-kick, however, was missed by Brahim Diaz, preserving Senegal’s win.
