Confederation of African Football (CAF) has stripped Senegal of its Africa Cup of Nations 2025 title, awarding it instead to losing finalists and hosts Morocco.
Controversial Final Match
The championship match was one of the most contentious in AFCON history, with widespread claims of questionable officiating and perceived bias toward Morocco.
The most controversial moment came with the award of a last-minute penalty to Morocco, prompting Senegal’s players to leave the pitch in protest. They returned after 15 minutes, and Brahim Díaz missed the penalty.
Senegal went on to win the match in extra time through a goal by Pape Gueye.
CAF Overturns Result After Appeal
A first appeal by Morocco resulted in monetary fines for both federations, while Senegal’s coach Pape Thiaw was fined and handed a six-month ban.
Following a further appeal by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, CAF’s appeal committee ruled that Senegal violated Article 84 of its regulations.
The rule states that any team that refuses to play or leaves the pitch before the end of a match may be considered to have forfeited.
CAF therefore annulled Senegal’s victory and awarded Morocco a 3-0 walkover win.
Reactions and Backlash
The decision has sparked widespread condemnation. Former Senegal coach Claude Le Roy described the ruling as “disgraceful,” suggesting it was manipulated in Morocco’s favour.
The Senegalese Football Federation rejected the verdict, stating it lacks legal basis and confirming plans to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui criticised Senegal’s actions, calling the walk-off “shameful,” while Gianni Infantino condemned the “ugly scenes.”
Ongoing Concerns Around CAF Decisions
Observers have raised concerns about what they describe as a close relationship between CAF and Morocco, citing hosting rights for multiple tournaments and past disciplinary issues involving Moroccan fans.
Final Outcome
With CAF’s ruling, Morocco are officially crowned AFCON 2025 champions, closing one of the most dramatic and controversial finals in African football history.
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