The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially declared Morocco as winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), stripping Senegal of the title following a controversial final.
The decision was reached by CAF’s Appeal Board, which ruled that Senegal forfeited the match after briefly walking off the pitch during the final. As a result, Morocco has been awarded a 3–0 victory by walkover.
The ruling comes after Morocco filed an appeal over incidents that disrupted the match. During the game, Senegal players protested a late penalty awarded to Morocco, describing it as controversial. The protest escalated when the team temporarily left the field in objection.
Although Senegal later returned to continue the match—reportedly after intervention from their captain, Sadio Mané—and went on to win 1–0, CAF determined that the earlier walk-off constituted a breach of competition rules.
According to the governing body, Senegal’s action violated Article 84, which addresses refusal to play or abandonment of a match. Under AFCON regulations, any team that leaves the field without authorization or refuses to continue play is subject to forfeiture and possible disqualification.
CAF maintained that its decision aligns with established rules designed to preserve discipline and fairness in continental competitions. The governing body emphasised that even temporary withdrawal from the pitch without approval is treated as a serious offence.
The verdict overturns the initial outcome of the final and crowns Morocco as champions of AFCON 2025. It also underscores CAF’s commitment to enforcing its regulations, regardless of match circumstances or outcomes on the field.
The development is expected to generate reactions across the football community, given the high-profile nature of the final and the implications for both teams involved.
