In a stunning turn of events, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has stripped Senegal of their 2025 AFCON title, declaring Morocco the champions of the tournament. The decision follows the Senegalese team’s controversial walk-off during the final against hosts Morocco in Rabat.
CAF’s Appeal Board ruled that Senegal forfeited the match by leaving the pitch, citing Article 84 of the tournament regulations. As a result, Morocco was awarded a 3-0 victory, officially crowning the Atlas Lions as AFCON 2025 champions. This marks Morocco’s second AFCON title and their first in 50 years. It also continues a recent trend of host nations winning the tournament, making Morocco the 12th host country to claim the title.
The final had been fraught with tension. Morocco was awarded a last-minute penalty that sparked immediate protests from the Senegalese players, who briefly left the pitch before returning. Brahim Diaz’s penalty was saved, and Senegal even went on to score an extra-time winner, seemingly securing their second AFCON title. However, Morocco appealed Senegal’s departure, and CAF ultimately sided with the hosts after reviewing the breach of regulations.
Beyond the championship decision, CAF’s Appeal Board also adjusted disciplinary measures. Morocco’s Ismaël Saibari, previously handed a three-match suspension for misconduct, will now serve just one match immediately, with the remaining match suspended. A fine of USD 100,000 imposed on him by the Disciplinary Board was also overturned.
Other sanctions were similarly reduced. The Moroccan Federation’s fines relating to the conduct of ball boys—who had interfered by removing goalkeeper towels during the semi-final against Nigeria and in the final—were reduced to USD 50,000. Additionally, the Federation was fined USD 10,000 for fans’ use of laser pointers. However, CAF upheld a USD 100,000 fine related to interference with the VAR review, dismissing Morocco’s appeal on that matter.
The decision has sent shockwaves across African football, overturning what had appeared to be a dramatic triumph for Senegal and highlighting the strict enforcement of tournament rules by CAF. Morocco now celebrates a historic title under extraordinary circumstances, while Senegal faces the bitter reality of losing a championship they thought was theirs.
