Le Monde Report: Alleged conflicts of interest and surveillance marred AFCON 2025 final

A major controversy has erupted around the Africa Cup of Nations after Le Monde published explosive details about how CAF initially awarded the title to Morocco before the decision was challenged by Senegal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The report raises serious questions over organisation refereeing decisions and potential conflicts of interest.

Disputed final sparks legal battle

Senegal crowned AFCON champions on the pitch after defeating Morocco but the situation took dramatic turn in March when the Confederation of African Football CAF announced it had stripped Senegal of the title and awarded it to Morocco.

The decision was based on Senegal players temporarily leaving the pitch during the match. Senegal’s federation immediately rejected the ruling and filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport CAS which later accepted the case reopening the entire dispute.

Tensions began before kick off

According to Le Monde, problems had already surfaced before the final even began. Senegal officials raised concerns about their accommodation arrangements claiming they were moved from approved luxury hotel in Tangier to facilities not listed among CAF’s official camps.

In formal letter, Senegal FA secretary general Abdoulaye Saydou Sow questioned whether the organisation was respecting its own competition standards pointing to inconsistencies in the approved hotel list.

Further concerns emerged when Senegal were housed at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, Morocco’s own training base prompting fears over tactical privacy and possible surveillance.

Security & officiating under scrutiny

The situation escalated upon Senegal’s arrival in Rabat where the report describes security arrangements as inadequate alongside complaints over unequal ticket distribution among fans.

On the pitch, tensions boiled over following controversial refereeing decisions. Senegal believed a legitimate goal was wrongly disallowed while Morocco were awarded a penalty .. later missed by Brahim Diaz.

In protest, Senegal players briefly walked off before returning to complete the match .. a moment that would later become central to CAF’s controversial ruling.

Internal pressure & controversial instructions

One of the most striking revelations involves alleged internal communication within CAF.

The Moroccan FA secretary general reportedly told referees not to issue yellow cards to Senegal players during the interruption .. a move that could have led to multiple dismissals and altered the outcome of the game.

This claim, if confirmed, raises serious concerns about interference in officiating decisions.

Appeal process questioned

Senegal’s legal team described the appeal hearing as deeply flawed. Lawyer Seydou Diagne said the session lasted only minutes claiming the decision appeared predetermined.

“We were placed in a waiting room and after two hour, we were informed the hearing had been postponed” he said.

The controversy deepened with accusations of conflict of interest within the appeals committee particularly the inclusion of Tunisian FA president Moez Nasri whose national team had participated in the same AFCON tournament.

CAF under growing pressure

Even CAF president Patrice Motsepe appeared surprised by the unfolding situation, reportedly reacting with disbelief during press conference in late March.

Both the Moroccan & Senegalese federations have pointed fingers at CAF’s handling of the situation blaming the governing body for what has become one of the most chaotic disputes in recent African football history.

For now the final decision rests with CAS but the credibility of the competition has already come under intense scrutiny.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

Related teams and leagues

Morocco

Senegal

AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations