The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football has defended the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) controversial decision to award them the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, insisting the ruling was justified despite mounting backlash.
CAF earlier stripped the Senegal national football team of the title over alleged regulatory breaches, awarding a 3–0 final victory to the Morocco national football team in a move that has sparked widespread controversy.
Senegal won the match with Pape Gueye netting the winner in extra-time, but the victory came in controversial circumstances after Senegal had walked off the pitch in protest during the original 90 minutes.
They were aggrieved by two decisions, the first of which saw Ismaila Sarr’s goal chalked off, before Morocco were awarded a penalty at the death after VAR intervention.
Senegal manager Pape Thiaw appeared to urge his side to leave the field, before they went down the tunnel and re-emerged around 15 minutes later, after which Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed the penalty to force extra time.
Morocco said the decision by the Confederation of African Football followed due process and should be respected, amid growing criticism from Senegal and sections of the football community.
In a statement on its official website, the federation said its appeal was aimed at ensuring proper application of competition rules, not disputing the sporting merit of any team.
“The Federation reiterates that its approach has always been grounded in respect for the rules and stability of African competitions,” it stated.
The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football also commended all participating nations, describing the tournament as significant for African football development.
It said a detailed position would be released after a meeting of its governing bodies scheduled for Wednesday.
The federation added that the forthcoming statement would clarify its stance and outline any legal or administrative steps if necessary.
The ruling by the Confederation of African Football Appeal Committee has intensified debate over governance and regulatory consistency in African football.
