Confederation of African Football has stripped the Senegal national football team of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and awarded it to the Morocco national football team following a dramatic ruling by its Appeal Board, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The decision comes two months after the chaotic final held in Rabat on January 18, 2026, which initially saw Senegal claim a 1–0 victory after extra time. However, Morocco lodged an official appeal over events that unfolded during the match.
Controversy erupted late in normal time when Morocco were awarded a penalty, prompting Senegal players to walk off the pitch alongside their head coach in protest. Although they later returned and Brahim Díaz missed the spot-kick, the incident became central to Morocco’s appeal.
In its final verdict, CAF ruled that Senegal’s actions breached competition regulations, declaring the team to have forfeited the match. The result has now been officially recorded as a 3–0 victory in favour of Morocco.
The ruling means Morocco are crowned African champions for the first time since 1976, marking a historic turnaround after their defeat on the pitch.
CAF also issued additional decisions related to the final, including sanctions involving Ismaël Saibari, whose punishment was reduced to a partially suspended two-match ban, while several fines imposed on Moroccan football authorities were either reduced or upheld following various incidents during the game.
The decision brings closure to one of the most controversial finals in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations, with Morocco now officially recognised as champions.