CAF overturns Senegal’s victory in CAN 2025 final
The African Football Confederation (CAF) has nullified Senegal’s triumph in the CAN 2025 final against Morocco (1-0 after extra time) on January 18, delivering the title to the Atlas Lions on a walkover. The decision, announced on March 17, follows disciplinary proceedings after the dramatic events that unfolded during the championship decider.
Protest turns into forfeit penalty
With the score locked at 0-0 in stoppage time, the referee awarded a controversial penalty to Morocco. In protest, most Senegalese players abandoned the pitch, retreating to the locker room while supporters invaded the field, creating a chaotic 20-minute interruption. The game resumed under extreme pressure, culminating in Pape Gueye’s extra-time winner—only for the result to be overturned weeks later.
The CAF Appeal Board ruled that Senegal’s actions violated articles 82 and 84 of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Regulations, which state:
- Article 82: “Any team leaving the field without referee approval shall be deemed the loser and disqualified from the competition.”
- Article 84: “Teams breaching Articles 82–83 lose the match 3-0 by default and face competition exclusion.”
The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) had filed a formal protest, which the CAF ultimately upheld, declaring a 3-0 technical victory for Morocco.
Senegal weighs legal challenge at CAS
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has 10 days to appeal the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Players expressed shock on social media, with midfielder Pape Demba Diop calling the decision “insane,” while defender Moussa Niakhaté posted images of the trophy with the caption: “Not AI—this is real.”
The FRMF responded diplomatically, stating its protest was “not a challenge to sporting merit” but a request to enforce tournament regulations. While the Atlas Lions now officially hold the CAN 2025 title, Senegal’s federation is expected to pursue all available avenues to challenge the verdict.
