CAF has declared Morocco AFCON 2025 Champions after Senegal forfeit final.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially declared Morocco as winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following a dramatic ruling by its Appeal Board.
CAF ruled that Senegal forfeited the final after their players walked off the pitch during the match, resulting in a 3–0 walkover victory in favour of Morocco.
The decision upholds Morocco’s appeal stemming from the chaotic events that marred the final, which had initially ended in a 1–0 win for Senegal after play resumed.
The controversy began late in regulation time when a penalty was awarded to Morocco, prompting protests from Senegalese players who briefly abandoned the field. Although the team later returned after intervention from captain Sadio Mané and completed the match, CAF determined that the earlier walk-off constituted a breach of its regulations.
According to CAF, the action violated rules equivalent to Article 84, which addresses refusal to play or abandonment of a match. Under the competition’s regulations, any team that leaves the field without authorization or refuses to continue playing is subject to forfeiture and possible disqualification.
The ruling brings a controversial end to the 2025 AFCON tournament, confirming Morocco as champions under disciplinary provisions.
