Morocco crowned Afcon 2025 champions after CAF overturns Senegal’s victory The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has stripped Senegal of its Africa Cup of Nations 2025 title, awarding the trophy to Morocco after the final match was declared invalid due to Senegal’s refusal to continue the game. The decision followed a dramatic 17-minute delay during the final, which ended in chaos after Senegal players boycotted the match following a controversial penalty decision. The match, which was initially won by Senegal in extra time, was annulled by CAF after reviewing footage of the incident. Senegal’s players and coaching staff left the field without permission, prompting the referee to stop the game. CAF cited Article 82 of its regulations, which states that a team leaving the field without authorization before the end of regulation time is deemed to have forfeited the match. Senegal was subsequently disqualified under Article 84, which mandates a 3-0 loss for any team violating Article 82. Morocco’s appeal to retain the title was upheld by CAF, which declared the team’s conduct during the match as the reason for the ruling. The final had seen Senegal take the lead in extra time through Pape Gueye, but the result was overturned after the governing body determined Senegal’s actions violated the competition’s rules. CAF’s statement condemned the unacceptable behavior of Senegal’s players and officials, emphasizing that such conduct would not be tolerated in African football. The decision also drew criticism from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who called the actions of Senegal’s players and technical staff “unacceptable” and warned that such behavior would not be tolerated in the sport.#morocco #senegal #gianni_infantino #confederation_of_african_football #pape_gueye
