Senegal’s decision to leave the field before the end of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco has sparked debate, but CAF regulations make the potential consequences clear.
Article 82 of the AFCON regulations states that “If, for any reason, a team withdraws from the competition or fails to appear for a match, or refuses to play or leaves the field before the scheduled end of the match without the referee’s permission, it will be considered the loser and will be definitively eliminated from the current competition. The same applies to teams previously disqualified by a CAF decision.”
By walking off after the controversial penalty awarded against Brahim Diaz, Senegal could face sanctions under Articles 83 and 84 of the regulations.
Article 83 specifies that “any team that fails to appear on the field in playing kit at the scheduled kick-off time, or at most fifteen minutes later, will forfeit the match. The referee is required to record the team’s absence and note it in their report. The case will be submitted to the Organizing Committee, which will make a final decision.”
Article 84 outlines the penalties for violating these provisions: “The team that violates the provisions of Articles 82 and 83 will be permanently excluded from the competition. It loses the match 3-0. If the opposing team was leading by a greater score at the time the match was stopped, the score will be maintained. Other measures may be taken by the Organizing Committee.”
While Senegal ultimately won the trophy, its mid-match exit raises questions about CAF’s disciplinary process and whether the Lions of Teranga could face additional sanctions.
The regulations make it clear that leaving the field carries serious risks, including forfeiture, match annulment, or further disciplinary action.
