Morocco and Senegal Dispute Afcon Title: Case Heads to CAS
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) title remains contested as a dispute between Morocco and Senegal escalates, ultimately landing before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The controversy stems from Senegal’s actions during the final match against Morocco, which resulted in a complaint lodged by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) with both the Confederation of African Football (Caf) and FIFA.
Initial Complaint and Caf’s Response
Following a contentious final in Rabat, where Morocco won after a penalty shootout, the FRMF protested Senegal’s decision to briefly leave the field of play. The FRMF argued that this action negatively impacted the match and the morale of the Moroccan players. Caf’s disciplinary committee initially dismissed the appeal, instead issuing sanctions to both teams, including a five-match ban for Senegal’s head coach, Pape Thiaw, on January 29th. Source
FRMF Appeal and Caf Appeals Board Ruling
The FRMF deemed the initial penalties insufficient, considering the severity of the incident. Caf’s appeal board subsequently sided with Morocco, determining that Senegal had violated articles 82 and 84 of the competition regulations. Source Article 82 stipulates that a team leaving the field without the referee’s permission faces elimination. Source
Senegal’s Response and Corruption Allegations
In response to the ruling, the Senegalese government called for an investigation into alleged corruption within Caf. Caf President Patrice Motsepe refuted these claims, emphasizing the independence of the appeal board. Source Motsepe stated the importance of respecting the decisions made by Caf’s disciplinary and appeals boards.
Legal Challenge and CAS Involvement
Senegal is refusing to concede the title and has assembled a legal team to challenge the decision. The case has now been referred to CAS, the highest authority for sports-related legal disputes. Source Lawyers representing Senegal have described the ruling as “blatant, absurd, and irrational,” arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent by allowing an administrative review of a completed match. Source
Current Status and Future Outlook
Caf briefly updated its website to list Morocco as the winners of the 2025 Afcon, but that page has since been removed. Source With Senegal refusing to relinquish the trophy and planning a celebratory parade, the dispute remains unresolved. The final decision on the rightful champion now rests with CAS.
Brahim Díaz and Morocco’s Victory
This dispute unfolds following a successful Afcon tournament for Morocco, bolstered by the inclusion of Real Madrid forward Brahim Díaz in the Atlas Lions squad. Source Díaz, who was born in Spain to a Spanish mother and a Moroccan father, officially switched his international allegiance to Morocco in 2024. Source He was a key player in Morocco’s winning campaign, having also won the Africa Cup of Nations with Morocco in 2025. Source Díaz currently plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for Real Madrid. Source
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