Morocco says stripping Senegal of AFCON win ‘upholds rights and integrity’

A controversial decision has awarded Morocco the Africa Cup of Nations title, sparking celebrations in Morocco and outrage in Senegal. The announcement, made two months after the final in Rabat, reversed the initial result, leading Moroccans to celebrate in the streets, claiming justice after perceived rule violations. Conversely, the news was met with shock and anger in Senegal, with fans and authorities denouncing the decision as corrupt and calling for an investigation into the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Senegalese fans expressed disbelief and accused CAF of corruption, fearing ridicule for African football. The reasons for the reversal remain unclear from the article.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) supports the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) decision to award Morocco the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, originally won by Senegal. The decision stems from a CAF Appeal Board ruling on January 18th, prompted by a controversial final match between Morocco and Senegal. The FRMF had appealed to CAF after the final, citing a failure to properly enforce regulations following a 14-minute delay caused by Senegalese players protesting a penalty awarded to Morocco. The FRMF stated its appeal was based on upholding competition regulations and ensuring fair international tournaments. The original final was marred by protests, a pitch invasion, and subsequent prison sentences for Senegalese fans.

The Senegalese government is alleging corruption within the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after Senegal was stripped of its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and Morocco was awarded the victory. CAF's decision followed a review of the final match, where Senegal briefly protested a penalty awarded to Morocco. The ruling declared Senegal forfeited the match, changing the result to a 3-0 victory for Morocco. Senegal's government spokeswoman Marie Rose Khady Fatou Faye refuted the decision, calling it an "unjustified attempt at dispossession." Senegal is calling for an independent international investigation into suspected corruption within CAF's governing bodies.