The CAF Appeals Board has stripped Senegal of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in a landmark ruling that has sent shockwaves through African football, awarding the championship to Morocco instead.

Addressing the controversy today, March 18, 2026, CAF President Patrice Motsepe defended the move, stating that the conflicting rulings between the organisation’s judicial arms are a testament to the "independence" of the confederation's legal processes.

The decision stems from the chaotic final held in Rabat on January 18, 2026. While Senegal secured a 1–0 victory on the pitch, the match was marred by a 14-minute walk-off by Senegalese players following a disputed late penalty. W

hile the CAF Disciplinary Board initially allowed the result to stand while imposing heavy fines, the Appeals Board overturned that verdict, ruling the walk-off a forfeit. Under Articles 82 and 84 of the CAF regulations, the match was recorded as a 3–0 default victory for the hosts, Morocco.

"The independence [of CAF’s judicial bodies] is reflected in the decisions that were taken by the two bodies," Motsepe remarked.

"The CAF Disciplinary Board took one decision. The CAF Appeals Board took a totally different position."

His comments seek to distance the CAF executive leadership from the verdict amidst fierce accusations of bias toward Morocco, who hosted the tournament.

Critics have pointed to the unprecedented nature of stripping a champion months after the trophy was lifted as a sign of institutional instability.

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has condemned the ruling as a "sporting injustice" and has already filed an emergency appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland.