African football’s governing body, CAF, has confirmed Morocco as winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after ruling that Senegal broke the rules during the final.
Senegal has rejected the decision and called for an international investigation into CAF, claiming the result is unfair and damages trust in African football.
The final in Rabat on January 18 was thrown into chaos when Senegal’s players walked off the pitch after a penalty was given to Morocco.
The protest followed instructions from coach Pape Thiaw, who told his team to stop playing.
At the same time, some Senegal fans invaded the pitch and clashed with security staff, adding to the disruption.
Although the match later resumed, CAF reviewed what happened.
CAF said its rules are clear. Any team that refuses to continue playing without permission automatically loses the match.
Because Senegal left the pitch, the Appeal Board ruled they had broken the rules. As a result, Morocco were awarded a 3–0 win and the title.
Senegal’s government says the decision is wrong because the match was eventually completed on the field.
It plans to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and has also called for an investigation into CAF’s leadership.
The government has also backed its fans involved in the stadium trouble, which could weaken its case.
In football, walking off the pitch is seen as a serious offence. The rules are strict and usually applied automatically.
CAF says once a team refuses to play, the result is clear under its regulations.
Senegal could take the case to sport’s top court, but past decisions suggest such appeals are rarely successful.
