The Confederation of African Football has sensationally stripped Senegal of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and declared Morocco the champions, following a controversial walk-off by Senegalese players during the final in January .
In a stunning decision announced on Tuesday, CAF’s Appeal Board ruled that Senegal forfeited the match, officially recording the result as a 3-0 victory for Morocco . The ruling overturns Senegal’s 1-0 extra-time win in the final played on January 18 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat .
The original final descended into chaos deep into stoppage time when Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review for a foul on Brahim Diaz by Senegal’s El Hadji Malick Diouf . The decision sparked outrage from the Senegalese bench, with head coach Pape Thiaw leading his players off the pitch in protest .
The game was halted for approximately 17 minutes before Senegal’s players returned, reportedly persuaded by captain Sadio Mane who had remained on the touchline . After play resumed, Diaz’s weak ‘Panenka’ penalty was easily saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, and Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal in extra time to secure what appeared to be Senegal’s victory .
CAF’s Appeal Board determined that Senegal’s conduct violated Article 82 of the AFCON regulations, which states that a team refusing to play or leaving the field without referee authorization shall be considered the loser and eliminated from the competition . Article 84 adds that such a violation results in a 3-0 defeat .
“The Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match… with the result being recorded as 3-0 in favour of the Federation Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF),” CAF announced in its statement .
The ruling also addressed several disciplinary matters. Moroccan midfielder Ismael Saibari saw his $100,000 fine cancelled, though he received a two-match suspension with one match suspended . Morocco was fined $50,000 for ball boy misconduct, $100,000 for VAR area interference, and $10,000 for a laser incident .
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation welcomed the decision, stating their appeal “was never intended to contest the sporting performance of the teams… but solely to request the application of the competition regulations” .
However, the Senegalese Football Federation immediately rejected the verdict, announcing plans to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) . In a strongly worded statement, the federation described the ruling as “unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable, bringing discredit to African football” .
Senegal players reacted on social media with defiance. Defender Moussa Niakhate posted a picture of himself lifting the trophy with a message saying “they’re mad,” while Ismaila Sarr shared crying-laughing emojis, and El Hadji Malick Diouf posted a celebration image with the caption “Champions, speak up!” .
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who attended the match, had earlier condemned the walk-off as “unacceptable scenes” that “do not honour Africa” .
The ruling marks one of the most controversial decisions in AFCON history, with the potential for further legal battles at CAS that could reshape the outcome once again .
