The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially stripped Senegal of its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title. The decision, announced on March 18, 2026, comes after a successful protest lodged by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) regarding the eligibility of a Senegalese player during the tournament's final.
CAF's Disciplinary Board ruled that Senegal fielded a player who did not meet the regulatory criteria for participation. As a result, the 2-1 victory over Morocco in the final has been overturned. Standard CAF statutes for such infractions typically award a 3-0 forfeit victory to the opposing team.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation released a statement on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, welcoming the CAF decision. "The FRMF salutes this decision which reinforces the respect for the rules and the integrity of African football," the federation stated, emphasizing the importance of regulatory compliance.
This unprecedented decision nullifies Senegal's second continental championship. CAF has not yet announced if the title will be awarded to Morocco or declared vacant. The governing body is expected to provide further details on the implications for the tournament records and future competitions in the coming days.
