- The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released a statement explaining what will happen next after the heated AFCON 2025 final
- Senegal beat Morocco to win their second title, but the game was marred by officiating disputes, refusal to play and crowd trouble
- Under CAF rules, Morocco could also have been awarded the title after Senegal players walked off the pitch
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released a statement following the dramatic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco.
Source: UGC
Senegal were crowned champions after over two hours of top-class football that quickly degenerated into chaos in stoppage time.
The Teranga Lions were aggrieved after an Ismaïla Sarr goal was disallowed before Morocco were given a penalty a few minutes later.
The players walked off the pitch and retreated to the dressing room as a section of their fans clashed with anti-riot police.
Play eventually resumed thanks to Sadio Mane. Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, forcing extra time, where a Pape Gueye wonder strike was the difference.
CAF releases statement after chaotic AFCON 2025 final
CAF has now confirmed that it has taken cognisance of what happened at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, condemning the unacceptable behaviour. The governing body has also stated that action will be taken against those found guilty.
“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers. CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.”
Source: Twitter
FIFA President speaks after Senegal vs Morocco final
FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who was at the stadium, also condemned the incidents during the game, mentioning that referees’ decisions should always be respected.
“Unfortunately, we also witnessed unacceptable scenes on the field and in the stands – we strongly condemn the behaviour of some “supporters” as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members. It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right,” read part of his message on Instagram.
“I reiterated that they have no place in football and I expect that the relevant disciplinary bodies at CAF will take the appropriate measures.”
Why Morocco should have been awarded AFCON 2025
Meanwhile, should Morocco have been awarded the AFCON trophy after Senegal players walked away? As captured by RMC Sport and CAF Rules, a team that leaves the field of play without the clear authorisation of the referee is considered to be the loser.
“If, for any reason whatsoever, a team withdraws from the competition or does not report for a match, or refuses to play or leaves the ground before the regular end of the match without the authorisation of the referee, it shall be considered loser,” reads part of Article 82.
While Senegal’s saving grace was that they returned to complete the game, the law states that the game shouldn’t have continued once they walked off the pitch.
Another CAF document states that,
“If a team refuses to play a match or to continue playing one which it has begun, it will be sanctioned with a minimum fine of twenty thousand US dollars ($20,000) and will, in principle, forfeit the match.”
Possible sanctions for Senegal, Morocco
There is no telling which way the CAF Disciplinary Committee will land on this, but the ship of Morocco being awarded the title has already seemingly sailed.
CAF could, however, issue severe fines and suspensions to players and members of the technical bench. Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw particularly asked his players to leave the pitch.
Morocco might also have a case to answer after ball boys were spotted harassing Senegal’s reserve goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
