Morocco Defends CAF 2025 AFCON Verdict

The Moroccan football federation, Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), has acknowledged the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board’s ruling following the disputed AFCON 2025 final.

The football federation, in a statement on its official website, said its appeal was aimed at ensuring proper application of competition rules, not disputing the sporting merit of any team.

“The Federation reiterates that its approach has always been grounded in respect for the rules and stability of African competitions,” it stated.

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During the AFCON final, Senegalese footballers briefly left the pitch after a disallowed goal and a penalty awarded to the hosts. Morocco, the hosting country, protested Senegal’s win, and the appeal board ruled in Morocco’s favour, noting that Senegal’s staged walk-off contravenes Articles 82 and 84 of the competition regulations on misconduct and forfeiture.

Morocco Defends CAF 2025 AFCON Verdict (News Central TV)
Senegalese football team. Credit: AFP

CAF crowned the Moroccan football team the 2025 AFCON champions after its appeal board overturned the result of the final against Senegal on Tuesday. It ruled that Senegal forfeited the match after a walk-off during the 2025 AFCON final in Rabat on January 19.

The Senegalese Football Federation rejected the verdict on Wednesday morning, described it as damaging to the credibility of African football, and vowed to challenge CAF’s ruling.

CAF’s verdict has triggered controversies across Africa, but Morocco says its approach has always been grounded in respect for the rules and stability of African competitions.

It also commended all participating nations, describing the tournament as significant for the development of African football.

It added that a detailed position would be released after a meeting of its governing bodies scheduled for Wednesday.

 

Author

  • Olayide Oluwafunmilayo Soaga is a Nigerian journalist with four years of professional experience. She reports on health, gender, education and development, with a focus on impact-driven storytelling.

    She was runner-up for the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) Best Solutions Journalism Award in West Africa in 2024 and a finalist for the 2025 West Africa Media Excellence Awards.

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