The authorities in Sénégal have issued a swift and stern rebuttal following the CAF Appeal Jury’s verdict, which stripped the nation of its CAN 2025 victory. The ruling declared Maroc the official winner of the tournament, despite the final match having taken place on January 18.

In an official statement released this Wednesday, the government characterized the decision as an extraordinary and severe blow to the fundamental ethics of sport. They argued that the ruling directly contradicts the principles of fairness, integrity, and the reality of what transpired on the field of play. This development has become a focal point of Sahel current affairs, drawing attention to the governance of continental football.

Rejecting what they term an “unjustified attempt at dispossession,” the Sénégal administration is now calling for an independent international inquiry. This demand stems from deep-seated suspicions of corruption within the leadership of the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF). As part of Sahel news English coverage, this move highlights the growing tension between national federations and the governing body.

Furthermore, the government emphasized its commitment to the welfare of Sénégal supporters currently held in Maroc following the unrest during the final. The authorities stated they remain resolute in protecting the rights of the national team and restoring the reputation of African sportsmanship.

The ruling by CAF

The CAF officially named Maroc as the champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after overturning the original final result. This drastic measure followed the controversial temporary walk-off by the Sénégal squad during the match.

On the pitch, Sénégal had secured a 1-0 win over Maroc. However, the game was marred by a 17-minute delay when the Senegalese players refused to continue after a penalty was awarded to their opponents during stoppage time, with the score still at 0-0.

Once play resumed, Brahim Diaz failed to convert the penalty, and Pape Gueye eventually netted the decisive goal during extra time. Despite this athletic achievement, the CAF appeal committee has invalidated the outcome.

The governing body announced that Sénégal is considered to have forfeited the final, recording a 3-0 technical victory for Maroc. In response, the Senegalese Football Federation has expressed its intent to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), denouncing the move as an unacceptable and unprecedented injustice that harms the image of African football.

The CAF decision was triggered by a formal protest from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). The disciplinary body cited Article 82 of the tournament regulations, which states that any team refusing to play or leaving the pitch without the referee’s consent is declared the loser and eliminated. Article 84 further mandates a 3-0 loss in such scenarios.

The FRMF maintained that their appeal was not a critique of the players’ performance but a necessary request for the strict application of competition rules. They reaffirmed their dedication to regulatory clarity and the stability of African football tournaments while congratulating all participating nations.

Prior to the ruling, the Sénégal national team had shared footage of their victory parade, showing players celebrating with the trophy. Sports journalist Maher Mezahi noted that while the official records might change, the emotional impact of the match and the sight of Sénégal lifting the cup in front of the fans cannot be erased from memory.

Chronology of the final controversy

The tension peaked in the eighth minute of injury time with the score deadlocked at 0-0. Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty to Maroc after being advised by the VAR to review a challenge by El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Diaz.

Already incensed by a previous decision to disallow a goal by Ismaïla Sarr, the Sénégal coach, Pape Thiaw, ordered his players to exit the pitch. While Sadio Mané remained to urge his teammates to stay, it took 17 minutes for the squad to return. Édouard Mendy subsequently saved the penalty attempt from Diaz, leading the game into extra time where Gueye secured the win.

Following the match, Maroc coach Walid Regragui labeled the walk-off as a “disgrace” to the continent. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also condemned the events on social media. Although Pape Thiaw later apologized for the walk-off, the CAF disciplinary actions have now completely altered the outcome of the competition. Notably, Maroc parted ways with Regragui on March 5, just months before the World Cup.