Unprecedented Title Stripping Decision

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Committee has stripped Senegal of its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and declared host nation Morocco as continental champions. The ruling was based on Senegal's violation of tournament regulations when the team walked off the pitch during the final held in Rabat on January 18.

CAF announced in a statement on Tuesday that "Senegal is declared to have forfeited the final," recording the match result as a 3-0 forfeit victory for Morocco. Senegal had originally lifted the trophy after winning 1-0 in extra time.

15-Minute Walkout That Changed Everything

The controversy erupted during stoppage time in the final. Senegal, led by coach Pape Thiaw, left the pitch for 15 minutes to protest a penalty awarded to Morocco. The incident was compounded by some spectators attempting to invade the field, escalating the chaos.

After play resumed, Morocco's Brahim Diaz attempted a "Panenka"-style slow chip penalty that was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Senegal ultimately scored the winning goal in extra time to claim what was then considered the championship.

The CAF Appeals Committee determined that Senegal's walkout violated AFCON regulations articles 82 and 84, which pertain to disrupting match proceedings and breaching sportsmanship standards.

Senegal Announces CAS Appeal

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) strongly rejected the decision in a statement on Wednesday, calling it something that "undermines trust in African football." The FSF announced it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, "as soon as possible." According to ESPN, Senegal has 10 days from notification of the ruling to file its appeal with CAS, a process that typically takes about one year.

The FSF added, "We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the values of integrity and sporting justice, and will continue to keep the public informed of developments in this matter."

Tensions were already running high during the match. Minutes before the penalty decision, Senegal's would-be winning goal was disallowed for a foul by Abdoulaye Seck, though TV replays showed minimal contact with the Moroccan player. FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously stated that the chaos was "unacceptable."