The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has welcomed the decision by the Confederation of African Football to award Morocco the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, describing it as a victory for the integrity of the rules governing the game.
In its first official response following the appeal verdict, the federation said the ruling reinforces “respect for the rules and the stability necessary for the proper conduct of international competitions”.
Caf’s appeal panel ruled that Senegal forfeited the final under its regulations after their players walked off the pitch during the closing stages of the match.
The FRMF stressed that its legal challenge was not about contesting the result on the pitch, but about ensuring the correct application of competition rules.
“The approach was never intended to contest the sporting performance of the teams, but solely to demand respect for the rules,” the federation said.
The appeal body applied relevant regulations to reclassify Senegal’s actions as an unauthorised refusal to continue play an offence that results in automatic forfeiture.
The final in Rabat was overshadowed by controversy after Senegal’s players left the field in protest following a VAR-awarded penalty for Morocco.
Although the match later resumed, Moroccan officials argued that the disruption had already compromised the sporting integrity of the contest.
The appeal ruling overturned an earlier disciplinary decision and awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory, officially crowning them African champions.
The Moroccan federation said the verdict establishes an important precedent for handling similar incidents in future competitions.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
It warned that failing to enforce such rules could encourage teams to disrupt matches without consequence.
“The decision contributes to the coherence and credibility of international competitions,” the statement added.
Senegal are expected to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, meaning the dispute may yet continue beyond the continental level.
READ ALSO:senegal-government-alleges-corruption-after-caf-stripped-teranga-lions-of-afcon-title
Meanwhile, Morocco say they will now turn their focus to upcoming competitions, including preparations for future international tournaments.
