CAF has awarded Morocco the AFCON 2025 title based on competition rules despite losing the final. Senegal is set to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. CAF president Patrice Motsepe says the process reflects fairness and judicial independence.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed Morocco as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations champions, with president Patrice Motsepe stressing that the decision reflects fairness, regulatory integrity, and the independence of CAF’s judicial processes.
CAF announced earlier this week that Morocco would be awarded the title despite a 1-0 defeat in the original final. The decision was based on the application of competition rules rather than the on-field result.
The move has prompted a response from Senegal, who are preparing to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland. The appeal is expected to test the processes followed by CAF in reaching its conclusion.
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Motsepe acknowledged concerns surrounding the decision but maintained that CAF remains committed to integrity. “We will still have to deal with the perceptions and the concerns about the integrity [of CAF],” he said.
He added that the organisation is focused on strengthening its systems. “It’s an ongoing issue. We are very clear at CAF that we are committed to ensuring that not only in terms of what we do because we have implemented best practices.”
Motsepe said the outcome highlights the autonomy of CAF’s legal structures, where independent bodies are allowed to make their own decisions. He noted that the CAF disciplinary board and the CAF appeals board reached different conclusions in the matter.
“I am told that Senegal is going to appeal, which is very important,” Motsepe said, adding that the process demonstrates fairness within African football governance.
From Morocco’s side, advisor Omar Khyari said the case was not about challenging match performance but about enforcing the rules. “Our approach was not intended to challenge the sporting performance of the teams involved but solely to request the application of the competition regulations,” he said.
Khyari added that Morocco remains committed to maintaining consistency in African football competitions. “We remain committed to respecting the rules, ensuring clarity in the competitive framework, and maintaining the stability of African competitions.”
Motsepe also emphasised that all CAF member associations have the right to pursue further action. “Every one of the 54 nations in Africa has a right to pursue and advance its interests… at the highest body, which is CAS, and we will adhere to and respect the decision that is taken at the highest level,” he said.
The development places focus on CAF, AFCON 2025, Morocco, Senegal, CAS appeal, African football governance, regulatory integrity, fairness in sport, CAF decision-making, football rules enforcement, sports law, and competition regulations across the continent.
