- Morocco has now received a huge boost after FIFA recognized the recent decision that gave them the AFCON 2025 title
- The CAF Appeals Board stripped Senegal of the title, 58 days after the final in Rabat, in an unprecedented decision
- FIFA has already approved the change, even as Senegal confirmed it had lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
FIFA has decided to implement the changes caused by the recent controversial decision of the CAF Appeal Board to award the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations to Morocco.
Source: Getty Images
Why was Morocco awarded the AFCON 2025 trophy?
Morocco won 3-0 after Senegal were adjudged to have lost the final held on January 18 in Rabat.
The Atlas Lions filed a complaint after the game, saying that Senegal had been off the field and had therefore forfeited the match. Senegal, led by their head coach Pape Thiaw, left in protest after Morocco was awarded a late penalty.
It took Sadio Mane’s intervention to get his teammates back on the pitch. Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, forcing the game into extra time, which Senegal eventually won thanks to Pape Gueye’s strike.
The result was overturned by the CAF Appeals Board, which ruled that Senegal had breached Articles 82 and 84 of the competition’s rules.
FIFA makes a big decision about Morocco after the AFCON 2025 decision
After that decision, and despite Senegal’s impending appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), FIFA has already taken steps to implement the changes.
Morocco has received a significant increase in points in the FIFA rankings. According to the world governing body’s website, the North Africans have received 18.02 extra points for their ‘victory’ in the final of AFCON 2025.
Morocco now have 1754.59 points, leaving them as the 8th best team in the world, but they are only six points behind Brazil in fifth place.
On the other hand, Senegal has been added zero points after the final and has dropped to 14th place in the world ranking, second behind Morocco in Africa.
Source: Twitter
CAF gives new information about AFCON 2025 update
Meanwhile, CAF has updated the AFCON 2025 review section on its official website, recognizing Morocco as the winner, with Senegal dropping to second place.
However, the section does not mention how Morocco won the title.
“TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 left no room for excitement. From the opening kick to the last second of the final, the tournament was a series of intense moments, fully committed fights, and statistics that tell the story of the African football game firmly.”
Will Senegal bring back the AFCON 2025 trophy and medals?
CAF has been silent on whether Senegal will be required to return the gold medals and the trophy, and whether there will be a coronation ceremony for Morocco.
Senegal is back on the field this month with friendly games against Peru and Gambia, while Morocco plays Ecuador and Paraguay.
Senegal’s next steps after AFCON 2025 decision
We have also reported on the steps Senegal can take after CAF stripped them of the AFCON 2025 title.
The Teranga Lions have the legal option of appealing to the CAS in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The Swiss-based court is the highest in the country that resolves sports disputes.
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