In an unprecedented reversal for African sports, the final of the CAN 2026 has seen its winner changed nearly two months after the final whistle. While Sénégal initially secured a dramatic 1-0 win in extra time against the host nation, Maroc, the Lions of the Atlas have now been officially declared the champions.

A formal statement released on March 17 by the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) confirmed that Sénégal has been stripped of the title. The match result has been updated to a 3-0 forfeit victory in favor of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), citing Article 84 of the tournament regulations.

Legal grounds under articles 82 and 84

The CAF Appeal Jury ruled that the protest lodged by the Moroccan federation was both admissible and well-founded. The disciplinary body noted that the actions of the Sénégal team—specifically when players briefly exited the pitch following a penalty awarded to Brahim Diaz—constituted a violation of Article 82. The regulations state that any team withdrawing, refusing to play, or leaving the field before the end of regulation time without official permission will be declared the loser and eliminated from the event.

The incident occurred in the 90+8th minute with the score tied at 0-0. Although Sadio Mané eventually persuaded his teammates to return to the pitch after a fifteen-minute delay, and Sénégal went on to win via a Pape Gueye goal in the 94th minute, the initial walk-off proved legally fatal to their victory. This decision has quickly become a major topic in Burkina Faso latest news, as fans across the region monitor the fallout.

Sénégal considers an appeal to the CAS

The matter may still reach the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS/TAS). According to CAF statutes, Sénégal has a 10-day window to file a formal appeal to overturn this ruling and attempt to recover their trophy. The CAS remains the final authority for disputes involving decisions made by CAF or FIFA bodies.

Reactions to the news have been swift. The Moroccan federation clarified that their intent was not to diminish the athletic performance of their opponents but to ensure the competition’s rules were strictly enforced. This story is currently dominating Burkina Faso news and is a primary discussion point in Ouagadougou news circles.

While the Senegalese federation has not yet issued a formal rebuttal, they shared a video of their post-match celebrations on social media without comment. Players have been more vocal; Moussa Niakhaté posted photos with the trophy, challenging officials to “come and get it,” while goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf insisted that their victory remains valid in the eyes of the world.