AFCON 2025: Morocco react to CAF decision to strip Senegal of title and award them winners

Morocco have responded with a measured tone after being officially awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title following a controversial ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Committee that stripped Senegal of their victory.

In a brief statement issued from Rabat, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) acknowledged the decision that saw the Atlas Lions declared African champions, while emphasising that their position throughout the process had been based on the application of regulations rather than a challenge to results on the pitch.

“The Royal Moroccan Football Federation acknowledges the decision rendered by the CAF Appeals Committee. Its approach was never intended to contest the sporting performance of the teams involved in this competition, but solely to request the application of the competition regulations. The Federation reaffirms its commitment to respecting the rules, to the clarity of the competitive framework, and to the stability of African competitions.”

The ruling, delivered by CAF’s Appeals Committee in Cairo, overturned an earlier disciplinary decision and declared Senegal to have forfeited the final, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory by default. The decision effectively erased Senegal’s 1-0 win in the final played on 18 January in Rabat.

Decision rooted in final controversy

The controversy stems from dramatic scenes during the closing stages of the final, when Senegalese players left the pitch in protest after a late penalty was awarded to Morocco.

The walk-off lasted approximately 15 minutes and triggered chaotic scenes, including rising tensions on the pitch and among supporters.

Although Senegal eventually returned to complete the match, and went on to score a late winner through Pape Gueye, the incident became the basis of Morocco’s appeal.

CAF’s Appeals Committee later ruled that Senegal’s actions fell under Articles 82 and 84 of the competition regulations, which state that a team leaving the field of play without the referee’s permission can be deemed to have forfeited the match.

Morocco’s restrained response

Despite the magnitude of the decision – which handed Morocco their first AFCON title in 50 years – the FRMF refrained from celebratory language, instead focusing on governance and regulatory clarity.

The federation underlined that its appeal was not aimed at questioning the sporting merit of Senegal’s performance, but rather at ensuring that competition rules were properly enforced.

The statement also highlighted Morocco’s broader commitment to the integrity of African football competitions, pointing to the importance of consistency in decision-making.

In addition, the FRMF congratulated all teams that participated in the tournament, describing the 2025 AFCON as a significant event for African football despite the controversy that followed its conclusion.

Continental reaction continues

Morocco’s reaction stands in contrast to the strong criticism that has emerged from Senegal, where football authorities and senior figures have rejected the ruling and vowed to challenge it at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The decision has sparked widespread debate across the continent, with questions raised about the timing of the verdict and its implications for the credibility of CAF competitions.

While some observers have defended the Appeals Committee’s strict interpretation of the regulations, others have argued that the outcome undermines the sporting result achieved on the field.

Uncertainty remains

With Senegal preparing an appeal, the final outcome of the 2025 AFCON could still be subject to further legal scrutiny.

For now, however, Morocco have been officially recognised as African champions, and their federation’s response suggests a desire to move forward while maintaining respect for the governing body’s processes.

As African football awaits the next development in the dispute, Morocco’s emphasis on rules and stability reflects a broader concern about preserving the integrity of continental competitions in the face of unprecedented controversy.