Senegal vow "legal crusade" after CAF strips AFCON title

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Senegal Football Federation president Abdoulaye Fall declared that the country would launch a "moral and legal crusade" against the decision.

"This decision cannot even be considered a true sporting justice ruling - it is so crude, so absurd, so irrational," said lawyer Juan de Dios Crespo Perez, who is representing the federation, as reported by Flashscore

Crespo Perez warned that the case could have far-reaching implications for global football if the ruling is upheld, particularly regarding the long-standing principle that refereeing decisions are final.

"It openly violates the Laws of the Game... If CAS rules against Senegal, the winners of the next World Cup could be decided in law firms rather than on the pitch," he added.

The Senegalese federation has already lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, seeking to overturn CAF's decision. The governing body ruled that Senegal forfeited the AFCON final in Rabat on January 18 after walking off the pitch in protest of a potentially decisive penalty awarded to Morocco.

Despite returning to the field and scoring in extra time to secure a 1-0 victory, the result was later overturned by CAF's appeals board - a move Senegal's legal team argues lacks proper explanation.

Paris-based lawyer Serge Vittoz, part of a six-member legal team, confirmed they are pushing for an expedited process at CAS.

"Such a procedure usually lasts nine to 12 months, but we want it to go faster. However, all parties must agree to it," Vittoz said.

Senegal, who have already qualified for the FIFA World Cup, are set to face Peru in a friendly match in Paris this weekend. Fall remained coy when asked whether the disputed trophy would be presented to fans at the Stade de France, saying: "I'll see you on March 28."