The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially overturned the on-field result of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, stripping Senegal of its title. Senegal had originally won the match 1-0 against host nation Morocco in Rabat. However, CAF's appeals committee ruled in favor of a Moroccan protest regarding an ineligible player, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory by forfeit.
The decision stems from Senegal's use of a player who was under a temporary suspension at the time of the final. CAF regulations state that fielding an ineligible player results in an automatic forfeit. The governing body confirmed the ruling on April 1, 2026, following a protracted disciplinary process.
This unprecedented reversal means Morocco is now the official champion of the 2025 tournament. CAF has also opened a separate disciplinary case against the Senegalese Football Federation, which could lead to further sanctions, including fines or a suspension from future competitions.
The Senegalese federation has announced it will appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), arguing procedural errors in the handling of the player's suspension notice. The final outcome of the 2025 AFCON title remains pending until the international sports court issues its ruling.
