CAF rules Senegal’s walkout violated tournament regulations

The CAF Appeals Committee upheld Morocco’s appeal, declaring Senegal’s decision to abandon the field a breach of articles 82 and 84 of the CAF Nations Cup regulations. The committee ruled that the Senegalese Football Federation’s actions constituted unsporting conduct, resulting in a 3-0 administrative victory for Morocco.

The controversy stemmed from a last-minute VAR review that awarded a contentious penalty to Morocco in extra time. Senegal’s coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players off the pitch in protest, sparking a chaotic scene that lasted several minutes before Sadio Mané convinced them to return.

Morocco’s appeal fully upheld by CAF

The official CAF statement read: « The CAF Appeals Committee today decided that, pursuant to Article 84 of the CAF Regulations for the Africa Cup of Nations, the Senegal national team is declared to have forfeited the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 (« the Match »), with the Match result being recorded as a 3-0 victory in favor of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). »

Key points from the ruling included:

• The FRMF’s appeal was deemed admissible and fully upheld
• The CAF Disciplinary Committee’s previous decision was overturned
• Senegal’s actions were found to violate both Article 82 and 84
• All other claims and requests for compensation were dismissed

Sadio Mané’s intervention prevented further disruption

While most players followed Thiaw toward the locker rooms, Sadio Mané convinced them to return after consulting with teammates. « When they decided to leave and not play, I stayed and asked some players: ‘What do you think? Is this a good idea or not?’ Then I decided to bring everyone back onto the pitch. I think it was the right call. After all, it’s just football, and referees sometimes make mistakes. The whole world is watching this match. It might have been a penalty or not, but that’s not the point. What matters is respecting the game. It’s not fair to stop a match like this. »

The players returned, and Brahim Díaz’s Panenka attempt was saved by the Moroccan goalkeeper. The match remained 0-0 at the end of extra time before Papa Gueye scored to give Senegal the lead, though the final result was later overturned.

Financial penalties imposed on both federations

Despite Morocco’s victory, the FRMF faced financial sanctions for several incidents:

• $100,000 fine for interference with VAR officials during a tense review in the second half
• $10,000 fine (reduced from original) for laser pointer incidents by local spectators
• $50,000 fine (halved) for a controversial ball boy incident

These sanctions, while substantial, were secondary to the historic decision that stripped Senegal of what would have been their second continental title.