In a dramatic development in African football, Senegal national football team have been stripped of their Africa Cup of Nations title, with Morocco national football team officially declared champions by the Confederation of African Football.
The decision comes after a controversial final held in Rabat on January 18, where Senegal players temporarily walked off the pitch in protest following a late penalty awarded to Morocco. The incident caused a lengthy disruption before players were persuaded to return and complete the match.
Despite the interruption, the game resumed and eventually went into extra time. Senegal secured a 1 0 victory thanks to a decisive goal from Pape Gueye, while the earlier penalty taken by Brahim Díaz had been saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
However, following an official appeal from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, CAF reviewed the incident and ruled that Senegal’s temporary refusal to continue play violated tournament regulations. Based on Articles 82 and 84, any team leaving the field without referee approval is considered to have forfeited the match.
As a result, CAF awarded a 3 0 victory to Morocco, overturning the original result and granting them the AFCON title.
The final had already been marked by chaotic scenes, including attempted pitch invasions by supporters and a delay of nearly 20 minutes after the penalty decision by referee Jean Jacques Ndala.
The ruling has sparked strong reactions across the football community. Senegal captain Sadio Mané had earlier helped bring his teammates back onto the field to finish the match, while several players later expressed their frustration on social media.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino had also criticised the incident, describing the actions on the pitch as unacceptable and stressing the importance of discipline and fair play in football.
CAF had already imposed fines and sanctions on both teams after the match for misconduct and breaches of sporting regulations. Senegal now has the option to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport within 10 days.