Dakar, Senegal — The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has retroactively awarded Morocco the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, stripping Senegal of the trophy two months after the final whistle, according to local reports.
An CAF appeals panel invoked tournament regulations to void Senegal’s victory and record a 3-0 forfeited loss, overturning the outcome that had crowned the Teranga Lions champions in January. No specific breach was detailed in the short statement released late Tuesday night.
Student supporters voiced dismay on Dakar campuses.
“We earned this with pride; hearing the cup is gone cuts deep,” one fan told local media, while another promised organised push-back against the decision.
The Senegalese Football Federation labelled the move “unprecedented and unacceptable” and announced it will lodge an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Government officials echoed the federation’s protest, demanding an external investigation into CAF’s handling of the appeal.
A sports analyst based in Dakar said the episode exposes persistent administrative weaknesses within African football governance, adding that repeated procedural questions have eroded public confidence.
The decision leaves Senegal without a trophy already celebrated nationwide, and Morocco unexpectedly listed as back — to-back continental champions.
CAF has not scheduled a further hearing date, and officials have not clarified whether additional sanctions are possible. Further details are expected.
