Africa Cup 2025 Marred by Controversy as Senegal's Hosting Rights Shift to Morocco.

A night of peak glory has now become the most controversial chapter in Africa Cup history. The AFCON 2025 Champion title once held by the Senegal National Team has been officially revoked, turning victory into defeat and euphoria into a prolonged controversy.

The decision was announced by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after the Appeal Board took firm action regarding incidents in the final match.

"The Appeal Board decided based on Article 84 of the Africa Cup Regulations that the Senegal National Team is declared defeated in the AFCON 2025 final, with the Match Result recorded as 3-0 in favor of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF)," stated CAF as quoted by NBC on Wednesday.

With this decision, the Morocco National Team is confirmed as AFCON 2025 Champion, not through goals on the field, but via administrative ruling following Senegal’s walk-off action in the final.

The final at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on January 18, 2026, initially ended with a 1-0 victory for Senegal via Pape Gueye's extra-time goal. However, that result has now been completely annulled.

CAF confirmed that the appeal filed by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was accepted, simultaneously overturning the initial ruling from the CAF Disciplinary Committee.

“The appeal submitted by FRMF was deemed formally admissible and upheld. The decision of the CAF Disciplinary Committee is set aside.”

The controversy stemmed from a crucial moment in the final minutes when Brahim Diaz was brought down in the penalty box. After VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty to Morocco. A decision that triggered a strong reaction from the Senegal camp.

The situation escalated after coach Pape Thiaw instructed his players to leave the field. This action became the primary basis for sanctions.

“The CAF Appeal Board determined that the Senegal team's actions fall under the scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup Regulations.”

CAF also deemed the Senegal team's conduct during the match violated tournament regulations.

With this decision, Senegal not only loses the trophy but also its place in history as champion.

Conversely, Morocco secures the title in an unconventional manner, closing the tournament with a 3-0 forfeit victory.