FIFA has officially declared it will not be involved in sanctioning Senegal over the controversy that followed the AFCON 2025 final, instead shifting full responsibility to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
According to FIFA, the matter is strictly an African football issue, and any disciplinary action, if deemed necessary must be handled internally by CAF. This decision confirms that Senegal’s participation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is not under threat, ending widespread speculation about a possible ban.
Softfootball had earlier analysed various punishment scenarios, including the possibility of Senegal being disqualified from the World Cup, a situation that could have reopened a qualification window for Nigeria. However, FIFA’s position has now ruled out that outcome.
For Nigeria, attention now shifts back to the ongoing FIFA investigation into DR Congo, concerning allegations of fielding ineligible players due to dual nationality issues. That case remains unresolved and is currently the only realistic external pathway that could impact Nigeria’s World Cup hopes.
While Senegal are now considered fortunate to escape World Cup-related sanctions, many fans, football pundits and even CAF have continued to condemn their actions during the AFCON 2025 final, where the team briefly refused to continue the match following a controversial late penalty decision.
CAF is now expected to determine whether Senegal’s conduct warrants any form of punishment within African football competitions.
