Rabat, Morocco – In a stunning turn of events, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has overturned the result of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, stripping Senegal of its title and awarding it to Morocco. The decision, announced Tuesday, March 18, 2026, comes two months after a controversial final played in Rabat, where Senegal initially won 1-0 after extra time.
The CAF’s appeals committee ruled in favor of Morocco’s protest regarding the match, citing actions by Senegalese players as grounds for forfeiture. According to a statement released by the CAF, Senegal will be considered to have forfeited the final, with the result officially recorded as a 3-0 victory for Morocco. Jeune Afrique reported on the initial announcement.
The controversy stems from an incident during the final where several Senegalese players temporarily left the pitch in protest against a refereeing decision. The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) formally appealed the result, arguing that Senegal’s actions violated CAF regulations. The CAF appeals committee agreed, deeming the FRMF’s appeal “receivable in form and founded” and overturning the original decision of the CAF disciplinary committee.
This unprecedented move raises serious questions about the integrity of the competition and the CAF’s handling of officiating disputes. While the initial on-field result saw Senegal crowned champions, the subsequent appeal and CAF’s decision have dramatically altered the outcome, leaving a bitter taste for Senegalese fans and players.
The CAF stated that the Senegalese players’ behavior fell under articles 82 and 84 of the CAN regulations. These articles address scenarios involving a team’s withdrawal from a competition or refusal to continue playing without the referee’s authorization. The application of these rules to the situation in Rabat has been met with criticism, with many questioning whether the Senegalese players’ protest warranted such a severe penalty.
The decision has sparked outrage in Senegal, with many fans and officials expressing disbelief and anger. The Senegalese Football Federation has yet to release an official statement, but sources indicate they are considering appealing the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland. La Gazette du Fennec reports that the situation is likely to continue to be debated for some time.
For Morocco, the decision represents a dramatic reversal of fortune. Having lost the final on the pitch, they have now been awarded the title without having to win the match outright. The Moroccan players and fans are celebrating the victory, but the circumstances surrounding it have undoubtedly cast a shadow over their triumph. Walid Regragui, the Morocco national team coach, is pictured celebrating the decision in images circulating online.
The CAF’s decision also has implications for prize money and rankings. Senegal will not receive the financial rewards associated with winning the CAN, and their ranking in continental competitions will be affected. Morocco, will receive the full benefits of being crowned champions.
This situation is particularly unusual given the time elapsed between the final and the overturning of the result. Typically, protests are resolved much closer to the event itself. The two-month delay has fueled speculation and allowed tensions to escalate. The CAF has faced criticism for its handling of the situation and for the lack of transparency surrounding the appeals process.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges facing African football, including concerns about refereeing quality, the consistency of disciplinary procedures, and the require for greater transparency in decision-making. The CAF will undoubtedly be under pressure to address these issues in the wake of this controversial decision.
The next step for both teams remains uncertain. Senegal is expected to pursue legal avenues to challenge the CAF’s ruling, while Morocco will likely focus on preparing for future competitions as the newly crowned CAN champions. The outcome of any appeal to CAS could have significant ramifications for the future of the tournament and the relationship between the CAF and its member associations.
The CAF has officially updated its records to reflect Morocco as the 2025 CAN champions and Senegal as the runners-up, as reported by multiple sources including Sport News Africa and TV5Monde. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as Senegal weighs its options.
Fans can follow updates on the situation through official CAF channels and reputable sports news outlets. The next major CAF event is the qualification matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which are currently underway across the continent.
