‘No consistency’ – Hugo Broos criticises CAF after Senegal 2025 AFCON saga

South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has launched a scathing critique of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), accusing the continent’s governing body of a total lack of consistency following the sensational decision to strip Senegal of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.

Speaking in the wake of the March 17 ruling, which awarded the trophy to Morocco two months after the final was played, Broos expressed sympathy for the Teranga Lions while highlighting what he views as a pattern of erratic and delayed disciplinary actions by CAF.

While Broos admitted that Senegal’s walk-off during the final in Rabat technically violated competition rules, he questioned why the organization waited until March to act.

“The only thing I can say is that CAF has once again shown that there is no consistency in its decisions,” Broos remarked. He pointed to the specific regulations—Article 82 and 84—which dictate that leaving the pitch constitutes a forfeit.

“If you leave the pitch, it is a forfeit. Done. Finished. So in that direction, I can follow. The only thing is why you do not do it earlier, why you wait two months.”

The Bafana Bafana coach’s frustration stems from his own experience with CAF’s judicial timelines. He compared the current situation to a previous dispute involving South African midfielder Teboho Mokoena, where he claims CAF waited six months to deduct points over a yellow card issue that should have been settled within 24 hours.

For Broos, the two-month delay in stripping Senegal of a major continental title only serves to create confusion and pain for the players involved.

Background

• Senegal faced host nation Morocco in the final. In the 98th minute of regulation time, the referee awarded a penalty to Morocco, sparking a 15- to 17-minute protest. Led by coach Pape Thiaw, Senegal players walked off the pitch.
• The Resumption: Persuaded by captain Sadio Mané, the players returned. Morocco’s Brahim Diaz subsequently missed the penalty. Senegal went on to win 1–0 in extra time thanks to a goal by Pape Gueye and celebrated their second title on the field.
• The Ruling (March 17, 2026): Nearly two months later, the CAF Appeal Board overturned the result following an appeal by the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). Morocco was declared the winner with a recorded 3–0 forfeit victory.

Current Status

• Appeal: Senegal has officially filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland to restore the on-field result.
• Defiance: Senegalese players and officials have publicly refused to return the physical trophy or winner’s medals, with some stating they “will not leave the country” until a final legal verdict is reached.