Controversy continues to swirl following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, where Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0. In a startling accusation, the President of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), Abdoulaye Fall, has alleged that Morocco exerts undue influence over the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Fall’s remarks, made during a lengthy interview, detailed a series of issues surrounding the final match’s organization and Senegal’s relationship with CAF. He stated bluntly, “Morocco controls CAF. It must be said frankly: they hold everything in their hands and decide everything.”
The FSF President cited several problems leading up to the final, including the selection of the team’s hotel, inadequate security measures, ticketing issues, and concerns regarding the training facilities. Regarding training arrangements, Fall explained, “They wanted to force us to train at their main base, the Mohammed VI complex… But if you train there, you are completely exposed, and every detail of your team is under their observation.”
Fall also criticized the delay in announcing the referee for the final. “The regulations stipulate a minimum period to allow for objections to the referee, but we were only informed of his name on the eve of the final at 10 PM,” he claimed.
“No country has ever confronted Morocco in this way,” Fall concluded. “Because they hold the position of Vice-President of CAF, they have the resources, and many countries do not dare to oppose their will.”
These serious allegations are certain to reignite the debate surrounding the governance of African football and the role of influence within its institutions. The accusations raise questions about fairness and transparency in the sport’s administration across the continent.
DZWatch will continue to follow this developing story.
Keywords: CAF, Morocco, Senegal, Africa Cup of Nations, Football, Abdoulaye Fall
