CAN 2025: the silence of FIFA and CAF after the coronation of Senegal is controversial
Crowned African champion at the end of CAN 2025, Senegal is still awaiting official congratulations from FIFA and CAF. An unusual silence which arouses total incomprehension
Five days after the historic coronation of the Teranga Lions, the Senegalese Football Federation has not received any official message of congratulations from the two governing bodies of world and continental football. A situation all the more surprising given that FIFA and CAF have the habit of quickly saluting the winners of major international competitions.
This silence did not escape observers. Al Jazeera journalist Haffid Derradji publicly denounced this lack of recognition, describing the situation as “unprecedented” in the history of the African Cup of Nations.
“This is a strange precedent in the history of the competition. Almost a week has passed since the CAN final without any official congratulations, either on the CAF or FIFA website, contrary to usual. However, the whole world congratulated Senegal, and history will not forget it,” he said.
While Senegal enjoys its continental title, this silence from institutions calls out and fuels the debate on the recognition and respect due to African champions.
Auteur: Junior B Diop
Published on: Saturday January 24, 2026
