The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has sparked widespread controversy by
stripping Senegal of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 title, awarding it to
Morocco instead – two months after the final was played. The decision, made by CAF's
Appeal Board, cites Article 84 of the AFCON Regulations, declaring Senegal to have
forfeited the final match due to their team's conduct.
The drama unfolded after a disputed late penalty was awarded to Morocco, prompting
Senegalese players to stage a 14-minute walk-off in protest. Despite winning the match
1-0 in extra time, Senegal's victory was short-lived, as CAF's Appeal Board ruled that
their actions breached tournament rules.
Senegal's Football Federation has slammed the decision as "unfair, unprecedented,
unacceptable, and tarnishes the reputation of African football", announcing plans to
appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The move has raised questions about
CAF's disciplinary standards and the integrity of African football.
The delayed decision has sparked outrage, with many questioning the timing and
motivations behind CAF's U-turn. The decision has sent shockwaves across the
continent, with many questioning the severity of the punishment and the impact on
African football's global reputation.
