- The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released a statement explaining what will happen after the fierce final of AFCON 2025
- Senegal beat Morocco to win their second title, but the game was marred by conflict, refusal to play and crowd trouble
- Under CAF rules, Morocco could also be awarded the title after Senegal’s players left the field
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a statement following the final of the 2025 African Cup of Nations between Senegal and Morocco.
Source: UGC
Senegal were crowned champions after more than two hours of high-quality football that quickly turned into chaos at half-time.
Teranga Lions were upset after Ismaïla Sarr’s goal was disallowed before Morocco was given a penalty a few minutes later.
The players left the field and returned to the dressing room while part of their fans fought with riot police.
The game finally restarted thanks to Sadio Mane. Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, forcing extra time, where Pape Gueye’s incredible strike was the difference.
CAF releases information after the final of AFCON Chaotic 2025.
CAF has now confirmed that it has taken into account what happened at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, condemning the unacceptable behaviour. The governing body has also said that action will be taken against those found guilty.
“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behavior that occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers. CAF is reviewing all videos and will refer the matter to the appropriate bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.”
Source: Twitter
The president of FIFA speaks after the final between Senegal and Morocco
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who was at the stadium, also condemned the incidents during the game, stating that referees’ decisions should always be respected.
“Unfortunately, we also witnessed unacceptable events on the field and on the sidelines – we strongly condemn the behavior of some “fans” as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff. It is unacceptable to leave the field in this way, and likewise, violence cannot be tolerated in our game, it is 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 in CAF will take appropriate action.”
Why Morocco should have been awarded AFCON 2025
Meanwhile, was Morocco given the AFCON trophy after the Senegalese players left? As recorded by RMC Sport and CAF Rules, a team that leaves the field without the express permission of the referee is considered to have lost.
“If, for any reason, the team withdraws from the competition or does not report for the match, or refuses to play or leaves the field before the regular end of the match without the permission of the referee, it will be considered a failure,” says part of Article 82.
Although Senegal saved them that they returned to complete the game, the law says that the game should not have continued once they left the field.
Another CAF document states that,
“If a team refuses to play a match or continue play that has begun, it will be fined a minimum of twenty thousand US dollars ($20,000) and, in principle, will forfeit the match.”
Possible sanctions for Senegal, Morocco
There is no telling which way the CAF Disciplinary Committee will land on this, but Morocco’s ship for the title seems to have already sailed.
However, CAF can issue severe fines and suspensions to players and members of the technical bench. Senegal’s head coach Pape Thiaw asked his players especially to leave the field.
Morocco may also have a case to answer after soccer boys were seen abusing Senegal’s reserve goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf.
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