Morocco Declared 2025 AFCON Champions After CAF Appeal Ruling

Morocco declared 2025 AFCON champions after CAF appeal ruling The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has formally updated its records to recognise Morocco as champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), overturning the result of the final and securing the North African nation’s second AFCON title their first since 1976. Originally, Senegal defeated Morocco 1–0 after extra time in the final played on 18 January 2026 in Rabat. However, Senegal’s players briefly walked off the pitch in protest over a late refereeing decision, prompting a regulatory review.

CAF’s Appeals Board ruled on 17 March 2026 that Senegal had forfeited the match by abandoning the field without permission, invoking tournament rules that treat such conduct as a breach of competition regulations. As a result, the final score was officially adjusted to a 3–0 forfeit win in favour of Morocco.

The CAF update published on 23 March confirmed the changes in the federation’s official standings, listing Morocco as champions with Senegal recorded as runners‑up and Nigeria retaining third place.

The controversial final was marked by several disputed moments late in the game:

• A stoppage‑time penalty award to Morocco by VAR review triggered protests by Senegal’s players and coaching staff.
• Senegal briefly walked off the pitch in objection, before returning to complete the match.
• Senegal then scored through Pape Gueye in extra time, which at the time seemed to hand them the title.

Under CAF regulations, leaving the field without referee authorisation can trigger forfeiture sanctions a point central to Morocco’s appeal after the match.

• Senegalese officials and fans vehemently rejected the decision, calling it “unfair” and undermining sporting integrity, with Senegal’s government even criticising the process and announcing plans to appeal the ruling further.
• Some football figures, including Morocco’s captain Achraf Hakimi, have publicly rejected the title award, arguing that Senegal earned the win on the field.
• Supporters of the ruling point to the enforcement of established regulations governing match conduct and forfeiture.

The decision’s fallout has sparked debate over CAF governance, interpretation of competition rules, and the role of retrospective disciplinary action in continental football. With CAF’s official recognition, Morocco is now credited with its second Africa Cup of Nations title, ending a 50‑year gap since their first championship win in 1976. The unusual circumstances around the result decided off the pitch months after the final was played mark one of the most controversial conclusions in AFCON history and may have long‑lasting effects on how disciplinary matters are adjudicated in African football.

• Senegal’s football federation has indicated it may take its case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in pursuit of overturning the ruling.
• CAF’s interpretation and application of its competition regulations are expected to be scrutinised further by stakeholders across African and global football.
• The controversy has reignited discussions around officiating standards, the authority of match officials, and the balance between regulatory processes and on‑field results.