The Moroccan Football Federation announced on Tuesday that it has formally submitted an appeal against the decisions issued by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) concerning the events of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, which pitted the national teams of Morocco and Senegal against each other.
The Senegalese team was crowned champion after defeating the Moroccan team 1-0 in a match that witnessed controversial events and chaotic scenes in its final minutes. This occurred after a number of Senegalese players and technical staff members left the pitch in protest against a penalty awarded in favor of the Moroccan team in the final seconds of regular time, before later returning to complete the match.
Protest Against Disciplinary Decisions
The Moroccan Federation issued an official statement confirming that the sanctions issued by CAF’s disciplinary committee do not match the seriousness and gravity of the events that accompanied the final match. It emphasized that what happened went beyond mere sporting protests, reaching the point of player withdrawals, fans invading the pitch, and the occurrence of chaos and riots.
The statement from the Moroccan Federation read: “After reviewing the rulings issued by the disciplinary committee of the Confederation of African Football regarding the events that accompanied the final match of the Africa Cup of Nations, which witnessed the withdrawal of Senegalese players and staff, the invasion of the pitch by their fans, and the resulting chaos and riots, the issued sanctions do not reflect the gravity and seriousness of these events.”
Upholding Legal Rights
The statement added that the decision to appeal stems from a commitment to uphold all rights guaranteed by law, noting that the President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation had previously sent an official letter to the President of the African Football Confederation expressing reservations about the decisions taken regarding the final.
The Moroccan Federation concluded its statement by affirming its determination to pursue all available legal procedures in defense of its rights, and its demand for the application of laws and discipline to ensure justice and equal opportunities in continental competitions.
This appeal is expected to open a new chapter of legal and sporting controversy surrounding the tournament final, as the African football community awaits the decisions of CAF’s appeals committee.
Moroccan Football Federation
The Moroccan Football Federation, founded in 1955, is the governing body for football in Morocco and a member of both FIFA and CAF. It is historically significant for overseeing the national team, which became the first African and Arab squad to reach a World Cup semi-final in 2022.
Confederation of African Football
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is the administrative and controlling body for association football in Africa, founded in 1957. Its establishment in Khartoum, Sudan, was a significant step in organizing and promoting the sport across the continent following a period of decolonization. CAF organizes major competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations, which it first held in 1957.
2025 Africa Cup of Nations
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is a major international men’s football championship organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). It will be the 35th edition of the tournament, with its history dating back to the inaugural competition in Sudan in 1957. Morocco was selected as the host nation after originally being scheduled to host the 2025 edition before a swap with the 2027 hosts.
Morocco
Morocco is a North African country with a rich history shaped by indigenous Amazigh (Berber) cultures, Arab influence from the 7th century, and successive dynasties like the Almoravids and Almohads. Its cultural sites, such as the ancient city of Fez and the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech, reflect this blend of Arab, Islamic, and Amazigh heritage. The country’s historic medinas, kasbahs, and varied landscapes from the Sahara Desert to the Atlas Mountains contribute to its distinct cultural identity.
Senegal
Senegal is a West African nation known for its rich cultural heritage and history as a center of several pre-colonial empires and later French colonial rule. It is renowned for cultural sites like Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site that memorializes the transatlantic slave trade, and the Grand Mosque of Touba, a major spiritual center. The country gained independence from France in 1960 and is celebrated for its tradition of Teranga (hospitality) and as a hub of African art and music.
Royal Moroccan Football Federation
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation is the governing body for football in Morocco, founded in 1955. It organizes national competitions and oversees the men’s and women’s national teams, with its history closely tied to the country’s sporting independence and achievements, such as Morocco’s historic run to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinals.
African Football Confederation
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is the administrative and controlling body for association football in Africa, founded in 1957. Its establishment was a significant step in organizing and promoting the sport across the continent, leading to tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations.
