Morocco refuse to let the 2025 AFCON title slip away
Nearly three weeks after Senegal were crowned champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, the fallout from a chaotic final in Rabat continues to rumble on.
While the Teranga Lions still celebrate a second AFCON triumph, Morocco are refusing to close the chapter, maintaining their determination to challenge the outcome of a match they believe was irreparably tainted by serious incidents after Senegal staged a brief walk off.
Morocco’s stance remains unchanged despite CAF’s firm rejection of their initial request to strip Senegal of the title.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) had petitioned the Confederation of African Football to revisit the final, citing disorder and conduct issues that, in their view, compromised the integrity of the contest. CAF, however, stood by the result and moved to discipline those involved rather than overturn the outcome.
Last week, CAF announced sanctions against both finalists, handing down fines and individual suspensions following investigations into the events that marred the final.
High-profile names were caught in the net, including Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari, Senegalese stars Illiman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, as well as Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw. The punishments were intended to draw a line under the controversy and restore calm after an explosive conclusion to the tournament.
But for Morocco, the sanctions did not go far enough. In a strongly worded response, the FRMF made it clear they consider CAF’s measures insufficient given the scale and seriousness of what occurred.
“Given that the sanctions… do not correspond to the gravity and the seriousness of these incidents… and to safeguard all rights guaranteed by law, the Royal Moroccan Federation has decided to appeal these rulings,” the federation said in an official statement.
Central to Morocco’s appeal is their interpretation of CAF regulations, particularly Articles 82 and 84, which explicitly provide sanctions for teams deemed to have abandoned the pitch.
The Moroccan FA argues that these provisions were not adequately applied and insists that CAF failed to fully enforce its own disciplinary code when assessing responsibility for the disturbances during the final.
Senegal, for their part, remain officially recognized as AFCON 2025 champions, and CAF has shown no indication of revisiting the result.
Yet Morocco’s continued legal push ensures the controversy remains alive, prolonging a dispute that has overshadowed what should have been a celebration of African football’s showpiece event.
As the appeal process unfolds, the episode serves as a reminder of how off-field incidents can linger long after the final whistle. For Morocco, the fight is no longer just about the trophy, but about principle and precedent. And until a definitive resolution is reached, the echoes of the Rabat final will continue to reverberate across the continent.