Morocco Threatens Legal Action Over Senegal’s Planned CAN Trophy Celebration
SAINT-DENIS, France – The fallout from the controversial conclusion to the Africa Cup of Nations continues, escalating beyond sporting disputes into a full-blown legal battle. Morocco is threatening legal action, not only against the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), but too against the Stade de France and GL Events, the venue management group, should Senegal proceed with plans to display the CAN 2025 trophy during a friendly match against Peru this Saturday.
The dispute stems from the CAF’s decision to award the 2025 CAN title to Morocco after a protest filed regarding Senegal’s eligibility during the final. Senegal is contesting that decision, filing an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), but remains intent on celebrating what they consider their championship with fans at the Stade de France. This defiance has prompted a strong response from Moroccan legal representatives.
Legal Threats Intensify
On Thursday, the FSF held a press conference, led by President Abdoulaye Fall and several lawyers, denouncing what they termed a “the most gross administrative robbery in history.” In response, Mourad Elajouti, representing the Moroccan side, issued a statement calling for an conclude to what he described as “thuggery on African pitches.”
Late Thursday night, Elajouti took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce the formal delivery of legal notices to both the Société d’exploitation du Stade de France and GL Events. He alleges that by facilitating a ceremony based on a revoked title, these entities are directly liable. A translated excerpt from his post reads: “We have addressed this morning two formal notices to the Société d’Exploitation @StadeFrance as well as the group @GLEvents. By lending their support to a ceremony based on a revoked title, these entities engage their direct responsibility. #onchomepas 😉 #senegal.”
1/5 Nous avons adressé ce matin deux mises en demeure formelles à la Société d’Exploitation @StadeFrance ainsi qu’au groupe @GLEvents. En prêtant leur concours à une cérémonie basée sur un titre révoqué, ces entités engagent leur responsabilité directe.#onchomepas 😉 #senegal
— Mourad Elajouti (@Elajouti) March 27, 2026
Elajouti further stated that the FSF’s planned presentation of the CAN trophy, originally scheduled as part of a celebration including a concert by the artist Booba, is based on a title the FSF has officially been stripped of by continental sporting authorities. Senegal has formally appealed the CAF’s decision to CAS.
“Usurpation of Title” and Potential Seizure
According to Elajouti, exhibiting the trophy in the absence of a suspensory decision from CAS constitutes “usurpation of title and a manifestly unlawful disturbance.” He cites Article 835 of the French Code of Civil Procedure. He warned that any continuation of the event will result in legal action seeking damages under Article 1240 of the French Civil Code (delictual liability). Perhaps most dramatically, Elajouti reserved the right to seek a court order for the “judicial sequestration” of the trophy itself.
This escalating legal threat casts a shadow over the planned celebrations at the Stade de France on Saturday. The match between Senegal and Peru, originally intended as a celebratory event for the Lions of Teranga, now takes place against a backdrop of intense legal maneuvering. The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football has not yet publicly responded to Elajouti’s latest statements.
The situation highlights the deep-seated tensions surrounding the CAF’s decision and the broader issues of governance and fairness within African football. The dispute isn’t simply about a trophy; it’s about perceived injustice and the integrity of the competition. The outcome of Senegal’s appeal to CAS will be crucial, but the immediate concern is whether the planned celebration will proceed as scheduled and whether the Stade de France and GL Events will face legal repercussions for their involvement.
The CAF Disciplinary Board has already imposed sanctions on both the FSF and the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), signaling the seriousness with which the governing body views the dispute.
Fans traveling to Saint-Denis for the match can expect heightened security and potential protests. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are anticipated in the coming days. The next step will be closely watching for any response from the Stade de France or GL Events regarding the legal notices they have received.
