Fresh controversy has rocked African football after Senegal were stripped of their AFCON title, with Morocco officially declared champions following a CAF Appeals Board ruling.
Senegal had originally beaten Morocco 1-0 after extra time in the final played on January 18, 2026, in Rabat. However, the match was overshadowed by chaotic scenes after Senegal players temporarily walked off the pitch in protest over a late penalty awarded to Morocco. Reuters reported the walk-off lasted about 14 minutes before the team returned and the match continued.
Despite Senegal going on to win the match on the field, CAF later ruled that the walk-off breached tournament regulations and overturned the result, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory by default. The decision has triggered outrage in Senegal, with football authorities vowing to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The ruling has divided opinion across the continent, with many questioning the impact the decision could have on trust in African football governance. CAF President Patrice Motsepe has since acknowledged that the controversy has intensified existing concerns around credibility and integrity in the game.