The dispute surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final has intensified, as the Senegalese Football Federation formally rejected a decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to award the tournament title to Morocco.
CAF’s Appeals Board ruled that Senegal forfeited the final after their players staged a walk-off in the closing moments of the match in Rabat, leading to a 3–0 victory being awarded to the hosts.
“The Senegal national team is declared to have forfeited the final match… with the result recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football,” the continental body stated.
The controversy erupted after Senegal players protested a disallowed goal and a penalty awarded to Morocco, briefly leaving the pitch in frustration during the heated encounter.
In a swift response, the Senegalese Football Federation acknowledged receipt of the Appeals Committee’s decision issued on March 17, 2026, but strongly condemned the outcome.
According to the federation, CAF ruled in favour of Morocco on the grounds that the Royal Moroccan Football Federation was not granted a fair hearing in the initial process.
Describing the verdict as “unjust” and harmful to the integrity of the game, Senegal insisted the decision undermines confidence in African football governance.
The federation confirmed it will challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), in a bid to overturn what it termed an unprecedented and unacceptable decision.
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