Senegal stripped of title, Morocco named 2025 AFCON champs

March 18, 2026

In a landmark decision, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has overturned the outcome of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, stripping Senegal national football team of the championship and declaring Morocco national football team as the 2025 AFCON champions. CAF’s Appeal Board ruled that Senegal forfeited the match, recording a 3–0 win in favour of Morocco.

The decision, announced on March 17, comes nearly two months after the final was played on January 18 in Rabat, where Senegal had originally defeated Morocco 1–0 after extra time. CAF’s reversal has stunned the football world and triggered intense debate across African and international football communities.

Controversial final and walk‑off incident

The 2025 AFCON final was a highly charged contest marked by controversy. The match was tied after regulation time, and a contentious penalty decision awarded to Morocco late in stoppage time sparked protests from the Senegal team. Players temporarily left the field in disagreement with the decision, leading to play being halted for about 15 minutes before the game resumed. Senegal went on to win with a goal in extra time.

However, CAF’s Appeal Board determined that Senegal’s walk‑off breached Articles 82 and 84 of the tournament regulations, which govern conduct and match forfeiture. Under these rules, a team that refuses to play or leaves the field without referee authorisation is deemed to have forfeited the match, and the result must be recorded as a 3–0 loss.

Official ruling and rationale

CAF issued a formal statement explaining that the appeal lodged by the Moroccan federation was upheld and the earlier disciplinary decision was set aside. The Appeal Board applied the relevant regulatory articles to conclude that Senegal’s actions constituted abandonment of the match, thereby invalidating Senegal’s on‑field victory and awarding the title to Morocco.

Morocco’s victory on paper marks their first AFCON title since 1976. The revised 3–0 scoreline reflects a forfeit win rather than a competitive result on the field. The ruling places Morocco as champions of the 35th edition of Africa’s premier football tournament.

Reactions and planned appeals

The decision has drawn strong reactions from both sides. Senegal’s football federation has criticised the ruling and termed it legally questionable, announcing intentions to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Senegalese officials have called the ruling a “shame for African football” and vowed to challenge it at the highest level.

Moroccan officials defended their appeal, stating that compliance with regulations and competitive integrity were at the heart of their case. They welcomed the decision as an affirmation of the rulebook and the need to uphold standards in continental competitions.

Impact and broader debate

The overturning of the AFCON final has raised questions about governance, disciplinary processes, and the timing of regulatory enforcement in football. Critics argue that retroactive changes to results undermine the competitive legitimacy of matches, while proponents say strict adherence to rules is crucial for sporting fairness.

The case is now set to be closely followed by fans, federations, and legal observers as the appeal process unfolds. Regardless of further developments, Morocco’s official status as 2025 AFCON champions represents a rare and controversial chapter in the tournament’s history.