Senegal had beaten Morocco 1-0 in the African Cup of Nations final in January, but the result was overturned by the team’s controversial walk-off win.
Senegal won AFCON in January (Image: AP)
The Moroccan Football Federation has issued a statement following the controversial 2026 African Cup of Nations title. The tournament hosts lost 1-0 to Senegal on January 18, with Pape Gueye scoring the winning goal in extra time.
However, it happened after a shocking protest by Senegalese coach Pape Thiau and his team at the end of normal time. Morocco were given a harsh penalty shortly after Brahim Dias was brought down inside the Senegalese area and the visitors had a goal ruled out for what appeared to be a lenient foul in the build-up.
Tiau and the players, furious with the referee, returned to the locker room as the game was stopped for about 15 minutes. When Senegal finally returned to the pitch, Dias took the penalty and Panenka’s shot was easily collected by Edouard Mendy.
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Senegal ultimately won the title with Gueye’s 94th-minute goal, but now, 58 days after the final whistle, Senegal have been stripped of the title by CAF. Meanwhile, Morocco were awarded a 3-0 victory by default, with the country’s governing body welcoming the news.
“Following the decision by the CAF Appeals Committee, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) welcomes the ruling in favor of respecting the rules necessary for the proper functioning of international competition,” an official statement read.
“From the moment the final was suspended, the FRMF has made clear its position and objective: the application of the regulations governing the competition. It was in no way to challenge the sporting performance of the teams involved, but was solely aimed at ensuring that the rules of the tournament were respected.”
“Following the initial decision appealed by FRMF, CAF acknowledged that the rules known to everyone and applicable to everyone had not been respected. FRMF complied with the correct procedures governing dispute resolution, including submitting claims and participating in invited hearings.”
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“This decision helps clarify the framework that will apply in similar situations in the future and contributes to the consistency and credibility of international competitions, especially African football. FRMF will continue to advocate with continental and international bodies for the fair application of the rules governing the competitions in which it participates.”
“The Federation will now turn its attention to upcoming sporting events, particularly the upcoming FIFA World Cup and this summer’s Women’s AFCON. The Federation would like to congratulate all the countries that participated in this edition of AFCON.”
This comes after the Senegalese Football Federation announced that it would appeal CAF’s decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, calling it an “unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable decision that discredits African football.”
CAF president Patrice Motsepe also issued a video statement, insisting he had nothing to do with the decision to strip Senegal and that no country was given preferential treatment after the winners’ medal went to Morocco.
He explained: “We have heard that Senegal intends to appeal, which is very important. All 54 African countries have the right to pursue an appeal in their progressive interests, not only at the highest level in Africa, CAF, but also at the highest body, CAS. And we will abide by and respect the decisions taken at the highest level.”
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