The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially stripped Senegal of its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and declared Morocco the tournament winner. The decision, announced on March 17, 2026, comes two months after the final match in Rabat, which Senegal won 1-0 on January 18.
CAF's disciplinary committee ruled that Senegal fielded an ineligible player during the knockout stages of the competition. The specific violation, confirmed by official statements, relates to a suspension carried over from qualifying matches that was not served.
As a result, the matches in which the player participated have been forfeited. This adjustment to the tournament standings elevates Morocco, the runner-up, to the position of champion. The Moroccan Football Federation has acknowledged the decision.
The Senegalese Football Federation has expressed shock at the ruling, with an official stating they "initially thought it was a joke." They have indicated an intention to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The controversy continues to unfold off the pitch, casting a shadow over the tournament's conclusion.
