In a stunning turn of events, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially transferred the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) title from Sénégal to Maroc. This unprecedented move comes two full months after the final whistle blew. The decision follows a legal challenge initiated by the Moroccan delegation, who hosted the tournament but initially lost the final match.
The most drawn-out final in football history
The controversy dates back to the day after the final, which took place on January 18. The Moroccan side immediately filed an appeal based on Articles 82 and 84 of the FIFA regulations. These rules stipulate that leaving the pitch prematurely results in an automatic forfeit. While early disciplinary actions saw coach Pape Tiaw hit with a five-match ban, the definitive ruling regarding the title itself caught everyone off guard when it was released late on a Tuesday night.
The timing of the announcement left the football world in shock. Even the Moroccan authorities released a statement during the night, clarifying that while they sought the application of the law, they did not wish for legal procedures to overshadow athletic achievements. The suddenness of the verdict, long after the celebrations had ended, has raised many questions about the efficiency of the governing bodies.
The Sénégal football federation has already reacted to the news, confirming they will take the matter to the Tribunal arbitral du sport (CAS) to fight the decision. Currently, the sports community is split: one side argues for the absolute supremacy of the rulebook, while the other maintains that a trophy won on the field should never be revoked months later. This legal battle ensures that the CAN 2025 final will be remembered as one of the longest and most disputed matches ever played.
