Senegal were sensationally stripped of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title on Tuesday night and tournament hosts Morocco were crowned champions instead, two months after African football’s showpiece concluded with a chaotic final in Rabat.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) declared that Senegal had forfeited the January 18 final after the team left the pitch in protest at a late penalty awarded to Morocco — an incident that also sparked an attempted pitch invasion by angry Senegalese fans.
When Senegal’s players eventually returned about 15 minutes later to face the penalty, Moroccan player Brahim Diaz inexplicably chipped weakly into the goalkeeper’s hands, missing the chance to win the cup and sending the match into extra time, where Senegal scored what seemed to be the decisive goal.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino had condemned “some Senegal players” for the “unacceptable scenes,” saying it was unacceptable to leave the field and that violence could not be tolerated in football.
At an initial disciplinary hearing, CAF imposed bans and fines totaling more than $1 million on both Senegalese and Moroccan players for their roles in the farcical scenes — which included on-field scuffles and attempts by Moroccan ball boys to take the Senegal goalkeeper’s towel — but allowed the sporting result to stand.
(Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw gestured as he ordered his players to leave the pitch. Image credit: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto/picture alliance)
AFCON: what did the CAF board say?
CAF’s Disciplinary Board originally rejected Morocco’s protest, but the appeals board has now ruled in Morocco’s favor, finding that the conduct of the Senegal team fell “within the scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations.”
Those articles state that if a team, for any reason, refuses to play or leaves the ground before the regular end of the match without the referee’s authorization, it shall be considered the loser and eliminated from the competition.
With Senegal declared to have forfeited, their 1-0 win was annulled and Morocco were awarded a 3-0 default victory, a result that makes the Atlas Lions African champions for the first time in 50 years.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation said it “acknowledges the decision” but insisted its appeal was not meant to contest the teams’ sporting performances, only to ensure proper application of regulations for the clarity and stability of African competitions.
(Champions of Africa: Senegal had celebrated but have been stripped of the title. Image credit: Amr Abdallah Dalsh/REUTERS)
‘They are mad’: Senegal to appeal to CAS
Senegal announced they will appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland.
Defender Moussa Niakhaté posted a photo on Instagram of himself holding the trophy with the words “Pour l’éternité” (for eternity) and, apparently referring to CAF, “Ils sont fous” (they are mad).
The controversy has cast a shadow over what had been considered a successful and well-organized tournament in Morocco, which will co-host the 2030 World Cup. The country has also seen widespread protests against World Cup preparations, with critics arguing government funds should go to healthcare rather than stadiums and hotels.
Last week, the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), due to start in Morocco on March 17, was postponed until July. CAF cited “unforeseen circumstances” without giving details; Luxolo September, CAF’s head of communications, said it was “a combination of factors” and not a decision taken lightly.
Edited by: Roshni Majumdar