Senegal stripped of CAN 2025 title after protest chaos hands victory to Morocco
The final of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2025 has been shrouded in controversy after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially annulled the result of the Senegal vs Morocco showdown in Rabat. The decision followed the dramatic exit of the Senegalese national team during the match, which led to a default 3-0 victory being awarded to the host nation, Morocco.
The chaotic scenes unfolded during extra time when Morocco’s Brahim Diaz collapsed in the penalty area. After a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty to Morocco, sparking outrage from the Senegalese bench. Coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players to leave the field in protest, a move that triggered a series of unprecedented events.
CAF ruling strips Senegal of their second continental title
The CAF Appeals Committee ruled that Senegal’s departure from the field violated articles 82 and 84 of the CAN regulations. This led to a default loss and the awarding of a 3-0 victory to Morocco, effectively stripping Senegal of what would have been their second continental championship.
In a detailed statement, the committee confirmed that the appeal filed by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was deemed admissible and upheld. The decision overturned an earlier ruling by the CAF Disciplinary Committee, reinforcing the severity of the Senegalese team’s actions.
Key points of the CAF ruling:
- The appeal by the FRMF was declared valid and accepted in full.
- The Disciplinary Committee’s decision was annulled.
- The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) was found in breach of CAN regulations.
- The match result was officially recorded as a 3-0 victory for Morocco.
Sadio Mané’s plea keeps the match alive
Amid the chaos, Sadio Mané emerged as a voice of reason, urging his teammates to return to the field. In his own words, he emphasized the importance of respecting the game and avoiding unnecessary disruptions. The players eventually returned, and the match resumed, though not without further drama.
Morocco’s penalty attempt was saved by a well-executed Panenka-style kick, keeping the score level at 0-0. The game progressed to extra time, where Papa Gueye scored the decisive goal, securing a 1-0 victory for Senegal on the field. However, the CAF’s decision later rendered this result null and void.
Financial penalties for Morocco despite victory
Despite being awarded the title, Morocco did not escape unscathed. The CAF imposed financial penalties for various infractions, including:
- A $100,000 fine for interference with the VAR system, following an altercation involving officials during a tense VAR review in the second half.
- A reduced $10,000 fine for the use of lasers by spectators.
- A halved $50,000 fine for an incident involving ball boys.
These penalties underscore the complexities and controversies surrounding the tournament’s climax, leaving a lasting impact on both teams and the broader footballing community.