BREAKING: CAF strips Senegal of AFCON title, awards Morocco

Femi Fabunmi

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board has officially ruled that the Senegal national football team forfeited the final match of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, in a decision that has sent shockwaves across the African football community.

In its verdict, the Appeal Board stated that the ruling was reached in strict application of Article 84 of the AFCON regulations, which governs cases of match forfeiture.

As a result, the final match initially contested between Senegal and the host nation has now been officially recorded as a 3–0 victory in favour of the Morocco national football team.

The decision effectively overturns the on-field outcome of the highly anticipated final, awarding the title to Morocco under regulatory provisions.

This means that the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) is formally recognized as the winner of the tournament, securing continental glory through the disciplinary ruling.

While CAF has not disclosed full details of the circumstances that led to the forfeiture, such decisions are typically linked to breaches of tournament rules, including issues related to player eligibility, misconduct, or failure to comply with match regulations.

The application of Article 84 underscores CAF’s commitment to enforcing its statutes and maintaining the integrity of its competitions.

The ruling is expected to generate widespread reactions from fans, stakeholders, and football authorities, particularly within Senegal, whose national team had been aiming to secure another major continental title. It also highlights the increasing role of regulatory and disciplinary frameworks in determining outcomes at the highest level of African football.

Further clarification from CAF may be anticipated in the coming days as the football body provides additional insight into the factors behind the decision and any potential implications for future tournaments.