The extraordinary ruling stripping Senegal of its AFCON title and awarding it to Morocco two months later is unprecedented. Here we answer key questions and consider the potential implications…
Why was that decision made?
The Confederation of African Football (CAF)’s appeals committee has found that Senegal left the pitch in breach of AFCON regulations during the final on January 18 after Morocco were awarded a controversial penalty.
A number of Senegal’s players, led by coach Pape Thiau, left the field and the match was delayed for approximately 17 minutes, but captain Sadio Mane convinced them to return to the team. Brahim Dias made a save from Panenka before hosts Morocco lost 1-0 in extra time.
Manager Sadio Mane urged Senegalese players to return to the pitch as they were sent off in protest.
Article 82 of the AFCON Rules states that if a team refuses to play or leaves the ground before the end of the stipulated time without permission from the referee, that team will be considered a loser and will be excluded from the competition.
Under Law 84, any team that violates Law 82 will be permanently eliminated and lose the match 0-3.
This result is the result of an appeal by the Moroccan Football Federation.
Does this contradict IFAB competition rules?
IFAB is football’s parliament and determines the rules of the game around the world.
Rule 5.2 of the IFAB Laws of the Game states: “The referee’s decisions regarding facts relating to the play, including whether a goal was scored or the result of the match, are final.”
By overturning the match result two months later, the CAF appellate body appears to be in direct violation of IFAB rules.
Why did it take two months?
CAF has not provided any explanation as to why the authorities were unable to enforce the regulations at the time.
CAF reanalyzed the rulebook following Morocco’s appeal against initial sanctions over other controversial flashpoints in the final.
The appeals committee then took the unprecedented step of overturning the result, giving Morocco a 3-0 victory.
Morocco said in a statement that the complaint was not “intended to challenge the team’s sporting performance” but merely “to demand the application of the competition rules.”
“This is completely extraordinary,” Sky News sports correspondent Rob Harris said. “At this level, something like that is really unthinkable.”
Is this the end of the problem? Will there be an appeal?
The Senegalese Football Federation plans to appeal the ruling to Switzerland’s highest court, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which typically takes about a year to issue a decision.
Senegal is preparing an appeal, after which a commission will be appointed to litigate the case.
How much has AFCON’s reputation been damaged?
Mali players celebrate penalty shootout victory over Tunisia
The Senegalese federation branded the decision “unlawful, unprecedented and unacceptable” and said it “discredited African football.”
The general secretary of the Senegalese Football Federation called the decision “an embarrassment for Africa” in an interview with public broadcaster Radio Diffusion Television Senegalese.
For now, Morocco will technically be deemed 3-0 winners in the final, ending their 49-year wait for a second AFCON title.
As the host of the tournament, all eyes were on whether Morocco, seen as the favorite to win, could finally cross the line.
Two months later, Morocco, who lost the match, were crowned champions in a statement.
Depending on the Senegalese side’s appeal, that honor may be stripped away.
Regardless of the outcome, the handling of this issue will tarnish AFCON 2025 and, in the eyes of fans, the winners whose names will be marked with an asterisk on the trophy.
Senegalese players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Africa Cup of Nations
African football expert Mimi Fawaz told Sky Sports News: “It’s very sad to see how things have unfolded and some of the reactions because there has been a huge debate for a long time about AFCON and African football getting the respect it deserves.”
“However, if you read the reactions of many African football fans, some of them are arguing that this has brought a stain on African football.
“They especially criticize the decision taken two months after the final, which Senegal won.
“But of course there are some Moroccan fans who say they are actually happy with the result. They feel it is justified.”
Will Senegal return its medals?
An appeals process is due to begin, and although much is unknown at this point, judging by Senegal’s reaction, it appears that it may be a difficult task.
Senegal’s men’s team reacted to Tuesday night’s ruling by posting footage of their victory parade on X.
Some of Senegal’s Premier League stars also ridiculed the ruling on social media.
West Ham’s El Hadji Malik Diouf, Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr and Sunderland’s Habib Diarra all posted laughing emojis on their Instagram stories, as well as pictures of themselves holding AFCON trophies and celebrations.
How did the Moroccan players react?
As it stands, none of Morocco’s star players are celebrating the overturning of the AFCON final result.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi and Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz were playing in the Champions League when the ruling was announced.
Footage circulating on social media appears to show Brahim being informed of the decision after Panenka’s penalty was saved at 0-0. He is depicted laughing as if it were a joke and raising his arms in celebration.
Brahim Diaz misses penalty
What happens if you bet on Morocco to win?
Bookmaker Paddy Power posted on X that one or more bets on Morocco to win will now be paid. No refunds have been asked for those who supported Senegal’s victory.
Skybet paid Morocco the winnings in the outright market.
Betfair has announced that it has resettled outright bets placed on Morocco prior to the tournament.
