RABAT, Morocco — The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has formally updated its historical records to recognize the Kingdom of Morocco as the official champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The tournament, which features the top national football teams across the African continent, concluded its latest edition with a significant administrative ruling that has now been reflected in the official standings of the governing body.
The update, visible on the official website of the Confederation of African Football on Monday, March 23, 2026, confirms Morocco as the winners, while the Republic of Senegal is now listed as the runners-up. The Federal Republic of Nigeria, which lost in the semi-final rounds, is officially placed in third position. Okay News reports that this digital update follows a decisive ruling issued on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, by the Appeals Board of the Confederation of African Football.
The board moved to overturn the initial on-field result of the final held on Sunday, January 18, 2026, in Rabat, the capital city of Morocco. During that match, the Senegal national team had originally secured a 1–0 victory in extra time following a goal by midfielder Pape Gueye. However, the closing moments of the game were marred by a protest from the Senegalese players. The team briefly walked off the pitch to contest a controversial penalty kick awarded to the Moroccan side during stoppage time.
Following an investigation, the Appeals Board determined that this action constituted a forfeit under Article 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations. As a result of the forfeiture, the final score has been adjusted to a 3–0 victory in favor of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). This gives Morocco their second continental title in the history of the competition.
In its official media statement, the Confederation of African Football noted: “The Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match… with the result of the Match being recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football.”
The decision has generated intense debate among football enthusiasts and officials globally. Critics argue that deciding a major championship in a boardroom rather than on the grass undermines the competitive spirit of the sport. Conversely, the President of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe, defended the ruling. He emphasized that the regulations must be upheld to ensure the integrity of the tournament and stated that no individual nation would receive preferential treatment.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has expressed its strong disapproval of the verdict. The federation confirmed it will take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), an international body based in Lausanne, Switzerland, that settles disputes related to sport. Legal experts suggest a final verdict from the court could take up to 12 months to be delivered.
