CAF has disqualified Senegal from the AFCON 2025 title after a controversial final walk-off against host Morocco, declaring a 3-0 forfeit win for the Atlas Lions. Senegal's federation will challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, while players including Idrissa Gueye refuse to return medals. The government demands an independent probe into the decision and potential corruption.
The AFCON 2025 final controversy between Senegal and Morocco has intensified. In the January 18 match at Rabat's Mulay Abdelá stadium, Senegalese players left the pitch in protest against a late penalty awarded to Morocco's Brahim Díaz, resuming after 17 minutes of discussions. Díaz missed the penalty, and Pape Gueye scored Senegal's winning goal in extra time for a 1-0 victory, initially celebrated nationwide.
CAF initially upheld the result but imposed fines and suspensions. However, following a Moroccan appeal and further investigation two months later, CAF ruled Senegal forfeited the match 3-0 for 'not appearing,' awarding the title to Morocco. Senegal's Football Federation called the decision 'unjust, unprecedented, and unacceptable,' with general secretary Abdoulaye Seydou Sow stating, 'We will not give up. The fight is far from over.' They plan to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne.
Senegal's government condemned the 'deeply unfair' ruling as a misinterpretation of rules and demanded an international investigation into alleged corruption at CAF, rejecting the 'unjustified dispossession.' Players, including Idrissa Gueye, refuse to return their gold medals (or the trophy).
Morocco's federation expressed satisfaction with 'respect for regulations,' though celebrations remain muted amid Ramadan. Coach Reda Elmhamdi noted 'postponed joy with a bitter taste.' Morocco's embassy in Dakar urged calm amid potential unrest. The tournament served as a test for Morocco's 2030 World Cup co-hosting.