Morocco Seek Senegal’s AFCON Title Revocation After Chaotic Final

Morocco are pushing for Senegal to be stripped of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title following chaotic scenes that disrupted the AFCON 2025 final in Rabat.

According to a report by beIN SPORTS, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) plans to file formal complaints with both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA, arguing that Senegal’s temporary walkout during the final constituted a withdrawal from play.

Moroccan officials believe the alleged breach of competition regulations should lead to the final being decided administratively, with the trophy awarded to the host nation.

Senegal won the final 1–0 after extra time, but the match was marred by a 17-minute stoppage late in normal time following a controversial penalty decision. The disruption occurred after Morocco were awarded a penalty through a VAR review. Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw was seen instructing his players to leave the pitch in protest.

Play was halted as Senegal’s players gathered near the touchline before briefly retreating to the dressing room. They eventually returned to the field following intervention from senior players, including captain Sadio Mané.

When play resumed, Morocco’s Brahim Díaz missed the penalty after the prolonged delay. Senegal later scored the decisive goal in extra time to clinch their second AFCON title.

In a statement, the FRMF said it would ask CAF and FIFA to rule on what it described as Senegal’s “walk-off from the field of play,” insisting that the incident had a “significant impact on the normal course of the match.” The federation maintains that the penalty decision itself was correct but argues that the disruption altered the rhythm and psychological balance of the contest.

Although earlier reports suggested Morocco’s protest might be symbolic, beIN SPORTS says the federation is now explicitly seeking to overturn the result through disciplinary channels.

CAF has confirmed it is reviewing footage from the final and that the matter has been referred to its disciplinary bodies. While not naming Senegal directly, CAF condemned what it described as “unacceptable behaviour” during the match.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino also criticised the incident, stating: “It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner. We must always respect the decisions taken by match officials. Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game.”

CAF has yet to indicate whether sanctions will be imposed or if the result of the final could be reconsidered.

Following the match, Coach Pape Thiaw apologised, saying the decision to leave the pitch was taken “in the heat of the moment.” Security concerns were also raised during the stoppage after Senegal supporters attempted to enter the pitch before being restrained by stewards. Footage also showed ball boys dragging Senegal’s goalkeeper on the pitch in an attempt to seize his towel.

Despite the controversy, Senegal returned home to a hero’s welcome. Tens of thousands of supporters lined the streets of Dakar during a victory parade before the team paid a courtesy call on President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his cabinet. The president had earlier received the team at the airport and, on behalf of the state, rewarded each player with $135,000 in cash and 1,500 plots of land for their tournament triumph.