Can 2025: caf strips Senegal of victory, awards Morocco the title

controversial turn in the can 2025 final

• Disqualification announcement: On March 17, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) revoked the victory of Senegal in the CAN 2025 final, originally won 1-0 in extra time against Morocco on January 18.
• Sanction imposed: The CAF Appeals Board ruled Senegal forfeited the match after player protests, awarding Morocco a 3-0 technical victory.
• Appeal window: The Senegalese Football Federation has 10 days to file an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The decision sent shockwaves through African football. The CAF justified the ruling under competition regulations, stating Senegal’s actions violated Articles 82 and 84 of the CAN statutes. These provisions mandate a 3-0 forfeit when a team leaves the field without referee permission.

what happened in the chaotic final?

With the score locked at 0-0 in stoppage time, Morocco was awarded a penalty. In protest, most Senegalese players walked off the pitch, triggering a 20-minute delay as fans invaded the field and clashed with stewards. After a brief resumption, the match ended in Senegal’s favor after extra time, but the controversy was far from over.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation filed an official protest with CAF. After thorough review, the appeals board concluded Senegal’s conduct met the criteria for disciplinary action, confirming Morocco’s legal claim to the title.

reactions and next steps

Senegalese players expressed disbelief on social media. Midfielder Pape Demba Diop called the situation insane, while defender Moussa Niakhaté posted emphatically, “They’re crazy!” — both referencing the controversial awarding of the trophy.

Meanwhile, Morocco’s football governing body accepted the decision but emphasized their protest was never about sporting merit, but strict adherence to tournament regulations. The Senegalese Federation is widely expected to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport within the 10-day window.