Morocco have officially been declared winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board overturned the final result following Senegal’s walk-off protest during the decisive clash in Rabat.
In a landmark ruling issued late on Monday, CAF confirmed that Senegal had forfeited the match under Article 84 of the tournament regulations, with the result recorded as a 3–0 administrative victory in favor of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).
Senegal stripped of AFCON title after walk-off protest
The dramatic decision stems from chaotic scenes in extra time of the AFCON final, when Senegal players briefly left the pitch following a VAR-awarded penalty for Morocco. The protest, led by head coach Pape Thiaw, disrupted proceedings and ultimately triggered disciplinary and legal reviews.
Although players later returned to complete the match, CAF’s Appeal Board determined that the temporary withdrawal constituted a breach of tournament rules. The ruling nullifies Senegal’s on-field result and removes what would have been their second continental title.
CAF stated that Senegal’s conduct fell within the scope of Articles 82 and 84, which govern abandonment of matches and forfeiture outcomes.
CAF Appeal Board upholds Morocco’s protest
In its official statement, CAF confirmed that Morocco’s appeal was admissible and fully upheld, while the earlier decision of the Disciplinary Board was set aside.
The governing body ruled that the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) had infringed AFCON regulations through the actions of its national team. Consequently, the final is now officially recorded as a 3–0 win for Morocco, cementing the hosts’ status as continental champions.
This administrative decision marks one of the most controversial rulings in AFCON history, significantly altering the tournament’s official records.
Match controversy centered on VAR penalty incident
The flashpoint of the dispute occurred deep into stoppage time when Morocco’s Brahim Díaz was judged to have been fouled inside the penalty area following a VAR review. The decision sparked a furious reaction from the Senegal bench, culminating in the temporary walk-off.
Senegal forward Sadio Mané later revealed he attempted to persuade teammates to resume play, stressing the importance of respecting the game despite contentious officiating decisions.
Financial penalties also imposed on Morocco
While Morocco have been awarded the title, CAF also issued several financial sanctions related to matchday incidents. The Moroccan federation was fined $100,000 for interference around the VAR review area, alongside reduced penalties for crowd misconduct, including laser usage and ball-boy interference.
Despite these sanctions, the ruling’s broader significance lies in the historic reversal of the final’s outcome.
Historic implications for African football
The decision represents a rare instance of an AFCON final result being overturned after the conclusion of play. It underscores CAF’s strict enforcement of tournament regulations and sets a precedent regarding team conduct during high-stakes matches.
For Morocco, the ruling confirms a home-soil triumph that will be remembered as one of the most controversial title victories in African football history. For Senegal, the administrative defeat raises questions about protest tactics, disciplinary accountability, and the fine margins between sporting justice and regulatory enforcement.
Further reactions from both federations are expected in the coming days as African football grapples with the fallout from one of its most dramatic and unprecedented rulings.
