Senegal's representation in the CAF Cup: From the initial selection to the reversal, AJEL of Rufisque demands answers from the FSF

AJEL of Rufisque expresses its "deep incomprehension" following the announcement by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) of the designation of another club to represent Senegal in the CAF Confederation Cup, 2026-2027 season. The Rufisque club states that it has not received any official notification of this decision and reserves the right to take legal action.

The club reiterates that it formally contacted the FSF (Swiss Football Federation) to obtain the official decision and the legal and factual grounds that led to this designation. According to AJEL (Association of Young Football Clubs), this request remains unanswered.

At the heart of the controversy is the CAF licensing procedure. AJEL of Rufisque claims that the deadline for submitting applications was set for June 30, 2026, and that the FSF legal department had indicated to them that, by that date, they were the only team among the clubs likely to represent Senegal to have properly submitted their CAF license application on time.

The club also relies on the discussions that took place during the meeting of the FSF Executive Committee on July 11, 2026. According to AJEL, it was then recalled that only its team had initiated the procedure to obtain the CAF license, while USC Saint-Louis had not officially come forward to confirm its participation.

AJEL of Rufisque mainly claims that at the end of this meeting, the Executive Committee of the FSF had decided to designate it as the representative of Senegal at the Confederation Cup for the 2026-2027 season.

"Following discussions, the Executive Committee decided to designate AJEL of Rufisque as the club representing Senegal in the CAF Confederation Cup for the 2026-2027 season. It is on the basis of this decision that our club has pursued all the required administrative, sporting, logistical and financial steps and has undertaken significant investments in order to meet the requirements of CAF," explains the club's statement.

Based on this decision, AJEL is surprised by the announcement of the designation of another club. AJEL believes that the lack of official notification and explanation for this change raises "serious questions" about adherence to procedures and principles of transparency.

While reaffirming its commitment to respecting regulations and equal treatment between clubs, AJEL of Rufisque now intends to obtain clarifications from the Federation.

The club also insists on the need to guarantee the legal security of decisions taken by the governing bodies of Senegalese football.

While awaiting the official notification it says it has requested, AJEL of Rufisque warns that it could exercise "all legal remedies" provided for by the regulations of the FSF, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA.

The club finally assures that it will keep the public informed of developments in this case, which now opens a new phase of tension around the designation of the Senegalese representative for the next Confederation Cup.