AFCON 2025 Sh*ck: Senegal Rejects Morocco’s Crown

According to Ireporter Online, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has formally rejected a controversial ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board that awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title to Morocco. The FSF has confirmed it will escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Morocco was declared champions after CAF overturned the result of the final against Senegal, citing a forfeiture following Senegal’s walk-off during the match in Rabat on January 19. CAF’s Appeal Board ruled that the incident violated Articles 82 and 84 of the competition regulations on misconduct and forfeiture, recording a 3–0 victory in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football.

The ruling came after Morocco protested chaotic scenes in the final, when Senegalese players briefly left the pitch following a disallowed goal and a penalty awarded to the hosts. The FSF noted that the appeal committee accepted Morocco’s protest and overturned the initial decision of CAF’s Disciplinary Board, citing procedural irregularities that denied Morocco the right to be heard during the first hearing.

Reacting to the verdict, the Senegalese federation condemned the decision, calling it “unfair, unprecedented, and damaging to the credibility of African football.” The FSF emphasized its commitment to due process and confirmed plans to appeal the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland, while keeping the public informed as proceedings continue.