The Confederation of African Football (CAF) stripped Senegal of its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title on Tuesday. Morocco now stands as the official champions following a controversial decision by the CAF Appeals Committee.

Senegal's players left the pitch in protest during the final on 18 January 2026 in Rabat. They returned after a delay, but the original 1-0 extra-time win no longer counts.

Senegal Forfeits Final After Pitch Walk-Off

CAF declared that Senegal forfeited the match. Officials recorded the result as 3-0 in favour of Morocco under Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations.

These rules state that a team which refuses to play or leaves the field without referee authorisation loses the match by 3-0 and faces elimination. The Appeals Committee upheld Morocco's appeal after studying the incident.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation welcomed the ruling. It emphasised that the appeal sought only the application of competition rules, not a challenge to sporting performance.

Chaotic Scenes in AFCON 2025 Final

Senegal led 1-0 in extra time after Pape Gueye scored in the 94th minute. The drama started late in normal time when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review.

Some Senegalese players halted play for nearly 20 minutes in protest. Supporters also attempted a pitch invasion. Morocco missed the penalty, but the walk-off triggered the later disciplinary action.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who attended the match, condemned the scenes. He called the players' decision to leave the field unacceptable and stressed that violence has no place in sport.

Senegal Condemns Decision and Plans Appeal

The Senegalese Football Federation strongly rejected the ruling. It described the decision as unjust, unprecedented, and damaging to African football's reputation.

Federation officials announced they will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne as soon as possible. They aim to defend their rights and the interests of Senegalese football.

Senegal players reacted on social media. Defender Moussa Niakhate posted a photo of himself lifting the trophy with the message "they're mad."

Background and Previous Sanctions

CAF had already imposed fines on both federations in late January 2026 for unsportsmanlike conduct. The new Appeals Committee decision overturned the on-field result.

The trial of 18 Senegalese supporters, imprisoned after the final for hooliganism, was postponed to 30 March 2026. Sentences ranged from three months to one year.

Morocco hosted the tournament and reached the final as strong favourites. Senegal defended the title they won in previous editions.