CAF has overturned Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph and awarded the trophy to Morocco declared AFCON winner. The decision followed a formal appeal that challenged Senegal’s conduct during the final. CAF ruled that Senegal forfeited the match when players walked off after a disputed penalty. Although they returned and won, the governing body said the walkout violated Article 82 and activated Article 84’s forfeiture rule.
CAF Details the Basis for Its Ruling
CAF said abandoning the pitch, regardless of duration, breaches competition integrity. Officials argued that protests of this nature cannot be tolerated. Therefore, the match result was changed to a 3–0 administrative victory for Morocco. CAF had already issued fines and suspensions, yet the match result remained unchanged until this appeal. The board said the ruling reinforces discipline across African football.
Morocco Declared AFCON Winner Reacts
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (<https://www.frmf.ma/>) welcomed the decision. It said the appeal focused on rule enforcement rather than Senegal’s performance. Morocco added that consistent application of regulations strengthens trust in CAF competitions. The federation also called for clearer communication during disciplinary reviews.
Broader Implications for African Football
This unprecedented reversal reshapes AFCON 2025’s legacy. It also raises questions about officiating standards and protest actions. CAF’s ruling signals a tougher stance on in‑match conduct. Teams may now face harsher consequences for walkouts, even brief ones. The decision will influence future appeals and shape how federations manage disputes during major tournaments.