CAF declared Morocco African champions two months after the tournament, following Senegal's infamous pitch walk-off, an unprecedented decision. Experts see it as both a delayed enforcement of the rules and a move to deter similar incidents. DR ‹ › Tuesday evening, Moroccans received news few had expected: they were declared African champions two months after the final whistle of AFCON 2025. After Senegal had initially lifted the trophy in a final marred by incidents, most notably a pitch walk-off, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) ruled that the Senegalese team had forfeited the match, effectively handing the title to Morocco. CAF's Appeals Committee decision overturns an earlier ruling by the Disciplinary Board, concluding that Senegal's walk-off during the final breached Article 82 of the AFCON regulations. Unprecedented both in its timing and nature, the decision prompted the Senegalese Football Federation to announce plans to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). unprecedented but delayed «This is truly a landmark decision, one that will leave a lasting mark on the history of African football and beyond», sports journalist Said El Abadi, author of «The History of African Football», told Yabiladi. While the timing can be criticized, «CAF's Appeals Jury ultimately chose to apply the regulations strictly», he noted, rules that, had they been enforced immediately, «might have avoided this long period of uncertainty». «Once again, CAF did not live up to the standards expected of such an institution», El Abadi added. In late January, CAF's Disciplinary Board sanctioned both Morocco and Senegal over incidents during the final, but rejected the protest filed by the FRMF against the walk-off. Morocco appealed, and CAF's response only came this March. Yet much of the controversy could have been avoided: «if the referee had simply enforced the rules during the final», El Abadi stressed. Preventing future walk-offs But why now? Netherlands-based Moroccan journalist Mustapha Esadik, author of «Football Champions of Africa», points to broader factors. Referring to recent incidents in leagues such as Egypt and Turkey, where teams walked off the pitch, he believes that «CAF may have realized that if such behavior is not punished, other teams might see it as a tactic». El Abadi also points to possible external pressure, particularly in the context of upcoming international competitions. «The prospect of such walk-offs or protests happening during the World Cup this summer likely raised concerns among governing bodies», he said. Now declared champions, Morocco must still await the outcome of the CAS procedure initiated by Senegal. According to El Abadi, the process could take months. «Each party will first submit written arguments, then appoint an arbitrator, after which hearings will be scheduled», he explained. Even then, «an appeal remains possible, which could further extend the timeline». CAS could either uphold the CAF Appeals Jury's decision or overturn it, El Abadi indicates. «In some scenarios, Senegal could be reinstated as champion, or neither team may ultimately be awarded the title», he added. African football image In the meantime, the handling of the AFCON 2025 final continues to weigh on the image of African football. «This was a blow to African football», Esadik said. «Until the final, this AFCON was very successful, and Morocco organized what I believe was the best edition in history. But what happened in the final overshadowed that.» «What is most unfortunate is that, in the end, the title does not feel like a real championship. That is a consequence of how the situation was handled», he continued. «It has damaged African football, and that is a real shame.» On refereeing, he suggested that «CAF should consider appointing referees from outside the continent for major matches». «There are too many conspiracy theories and tensions linked to political or regional rivalries. Bringing in neutral referees could help reduce that», he added. Looking ahead, the decision could have a positive impact on Morocco's squad, especially as the 2026 World Cup approaches. «This decision could relieve some pressure, particularly for players like Brahim Diaz», Esadik concluded.
