The Senegalese Football Federation will present the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy during pre-match activities ahead of its international friendly against Peru on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Stade de France in Paris, even as controversy over the championship title continues.
The plan was publicly confirmed on Thursday, March 26, 2026, when the federation shared the match-day schedule on its official social media channels, highlighting the inclusion of the trophy presentation ahead of kickoff.
Senegal had won the AFCON final on January 18, 2026, defeating Morocco 1–0 after extra time in Rabat.
Players lifted the trophy on the field following a tense encounter that saw the team temporarily leave the pitch in protest of a referee’s late penalty decision.
On March 17, 2026, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Board ruled that Senegal had breached Articles 82 and 84 of the competition regulations by leaving the field without referee permission.
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The match was officially recorded as a 3–0 forfeit win for Morocco, who were subsequently declared the official 2025 AFCON champions.
The decision sparked strong pushback from Senegal’s football authorities, who described the ruling as unjust and vowed a robust legal challenge.
Senegal has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland, seeking reinstatement of the title and expedited handling of the case.
Despite the ongoing dispute, the trophy presentation will go ahead as scheduled, signaling Senegal’s intent to maintain its claim as rightful champions in the eyes of supporters.
The controversy has ignited debate across African football, highlighting questions about governance, disciplinary procedures, and the enforcement of competition regulations long after matches conclude.