Morocco was officially declared the champion on Tuesday after CAF’s Appeal Board overturned the result of the final against Senegal. The board ruled that the West African team forfeited the match following a brief walk-off by players during the game held in Rabat on January 19. The result was formally recorded as a 3–0 victory in favor of the hosts.
CAF cited Senegal’s actions as a violation of Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations, which govern misconduct and forfeiture. The decision followed a protest filed by Morocco after the final descended into chaos late in the match. Senegal players left the pitch momentarily in reaction to a disallowed goal and a penalty awarded to Morocco, a sequence that prompted the appeal board’s ruling.
In a detailed statement issued on Wednesday, the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) said it had noted the notification of the Appeal Committee’s decision in case DC23316. The committee had accepted Morocco’s protest and overturned an earlier ruling by CAF’s Disciplinary Board, citing procedural irregularities in the initial hearing.
“With this decision, the CAF Appeals Board declared the appeal of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation admissible and accepted it, overturning the prior decision on grounds that the appellant’s right to be heard had not been respected,” the FSF said.
The Senegalese federation criticized the verdict as a serious blow to the credibility of African football. “The Senegalese Football Federation denounces an unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable decision that discredits African football,” the statement read.
To defend its position, the FSF confirmed it would take the case to CAS in Lausanne, Switzerland. “To defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the Federation will initiate, as soon as possible, an appeal procedure before the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” it said.
The federation also emphasized its commitment to integrity and transparency throughout the process. “The FSF reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the values of integrity and sporting justice and will keep the public informed of developments in this matter,” the statement concluded.
The ruling has reignited debate across the continent about the interpretation of competition rules and the governance of African football, leaving fans and officials alike awaiting the outcome of Senegal’s forthcoming appeal.