CAF Awards Morocco 2025 AFCON Title Following Controversial Senegal Walkout
Morocco Clinches AFCON Title Amid Controversy
THE Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially awarded Morocco the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title following a ruling that Senegal forfeited the final match. The announcement, made on Tuesday, comes after a dramatic and chaotic conclusion to the final played at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
In its statement, CAF confirmed that the Appeal Board upheld Morocco’s protest, citing violations by Senegal under Articles 82 and 84 of the competition regulations. “The CAF Appeal Board decided that in application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match… with the result recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF),” the statement read.
A Final Marred by Chaos
The match had initially ended with a 1–0 victory for Senegal in extra time, courtesy of Pape Gueye’s decisive goal. However, the final was overshadowed by a controversial VAR-awarded penalty to Morocco late in regulation time. Senegal’s players and officials protested the decision and temporarily walked off the pitch, sparking a tense delay and unrest among fans.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the actions of the Senegal team at the time, describing the walkout as “unacceptable” and emphasizing the importance of respecting match officials and the Laws of the Game.
Disciplinary Actions and Revisions
In addition to declaring Morocco champions, CAF reviewed other disciplinary matters arising from the final. Moroccan midfielder Ismaël Saibari saw a reduced suspension of two matches, with one match suspended, while a previously imposed $100,000 fine was cancelled.
Conversely, Morocco’s federation faced fines related to ball boy interference and VAR review incidents, though several penalties were reduced on appeal. The CAF ruling underscores the governing body’s strict stance on regulations and player conduct while clarifying ambiguities from one of the tournament’s most controversial matches.
Morocco’s Long-Awaited Triumph
With this ruling, Morocco secures its second AFCON title, the first being in 1976, ending a nearly five-decade wait for continental glory. Senegal, who had celebrated what would have been their second AFCON victory since their 2021 win, now relinquishes the title after the Appeal Board’s decision.
The decision marks a historic yet contentious conclusion to AFCON 2025, highlighting the growing influence of regulations, VAR, and governance in African football. Fans, players, and officials alike are now left to reflect on a final that will be remembered for both its sporting and disciplinary drama.
