The conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final remains an unprecedented case in the history of the tournament, with no official champion declared. Two months following the match held in Rabat, both Morocco and Senegal assert their claims to victory, while the Confederation of African Football (CAF) finds itself ensnared in a legal and regulatory quagmire that has put the continent's football into a state of turmoil. Currently, the organization led by Patrice Motsepe is maintaining silence regarding the final decision on the title and has deferred the final ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), whose verdict may take months to arrive. An extensive analysis by the French portal Le Monde delves into the complexities surrounding this dilemma.
According to official reports accessed by the aforementioned portal, a series of events unfolded during the match, including the exit of players from the field under the orders of coach Pape Thiaw, police intervention due to disturbances in the stands, and the resumption of play with only Sadio Mané remaining among the Senegalese players. Referee Jean-Jacques Ngambo Ndala noted that 'in the 97th minute, there was a temporary interruption of play,' adding that the players returned only after being persuaded by their captain.
The crux of the controversy centers around the CAF Appeals Committee's decision issued on March 17, which declared Senegal the 'loser by default' and awarded a 3-0 victory to Morocco, despite the Senegalese team having celebrated their sporting triumph both on and off the field. Adding to the peculiarity of this situation, the CAF even transferred the prize money of USD 10 million (approximately 8.7 million euros) intended for the champions to Senegal, while the federation led by Bassirou Diomaye Faye handed the trophy to the nation, which was even brought to prisoners in a Dakar prison.
The series of appeals and counterclaims between the two national federations has left the official outcome in limbo. Following the CAF's announcement of Morocco's administrative victory and relegation of Senegal to the second place—a podium that subsequently vanished from the organization's website—the Senegalese Football Federation escalated its claim to the CAS. The officials allege that they have been subjected to 'the most blatant administrative theft in the history of their sport,' confronting the CAF with the most significant credibility crisis it has faced in its modern history.
Amidst heavy rain, the match was decided in extra time after a chaotic sequence of events: Morocco was awarded a penalty in stoppage time—missed by Brahím Díaz—Senegal's protests led to a temporary walk-off by the team, and upon resuming, Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal that appeared to secure Senegal's victory.
With 66,526 attendees, the match concluded under rain in an empty stadium. There were verbal and physical confrontations in the corridors, and a press conference was interrupted following mutual accusations from the coaches and the media. Reports analyzed by Le Monde indicated that three Senegalese players suffered from food poisoning, and 18 fans were arrested and initially sentenced to prison.
The continental title has become a matter of popular and institutional vindication for both sides. The Senegalese team even showcased the trophy at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis before 68,000 spectators, while the Moroccan diaspora supported their team in Lens, albeit without displaying the second star on their jerseys, referring to the regulatory ambiguity: 'For now, there is nothing to celebrate: we are awaiting the CAS decision,' a source close to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation informed Le Monde.
According to the portal, the background of the discord traces back to logistical disagreements prior to the match: the Senegalese team protested their accommodation at the Rihab, deemed insufficient for the preparation of a final, as well as the obligation to train at the Mohammed VI complex, Morocco's base. The Moroccan federation, led by Fouzi Lekjaa, defended the logistical planning and accused Senegal of seeking a pretext to report irregularities.
The appointment of Congolese referee Ngambo Ndala intensified the controversy. Senegal demanded his recusal due to previous conflicts in a prior qualifying match, alleging a lack of impartiality. The CAF's disciplinary report acknowledges that pre-match statements 'were not reassuring' and highlights the absence of a preventive communication campaign to avert an escalation of tensions in light of questionable refereeing decisions.
Following the final, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation cited regulatory infringement due to the Senegalese team's walk-off, referencing articles 82 and 84 of the tournament. Senegal's defense argued that the referee never formally suspended the match nor considered their action as a no-show. The CAF's disciplinary committee, convened on January 27, fined Senegal USD 715,000 and suspended coach Thiaw for five matches, yet upheld the validity of the sporting victory.
Morocco filed an appeal on February 19, arguing that this set a 'dangerously extreme precedent' and accused the CAF of providing specific instructions to avoid sanctions that would have resulted in the expulsion of two Senegalese players. During the proceedings, the CAF president publicly expressed doubts about the composition of the disciplinary panel upon discovering that Moez Nasri, the president of the Tunisian federation, was a member of the jury.
The uncertainty surrounding the African champion has sparked a diplomatic and sporting clash that transcends the realm of football. Both federations have denounced the 'incompetence' and lack of accountability of the CAF. The mutual accusations of corruption and political pressure have cast doubt on the transparency of governing bodies. The case adds elements of political instability: the Senegalese federation alleges conflicts of interest within the disciplinary panel, and President Motsepe has publicly questioned the legitimacy of the process, stating, 'What the hell is this?' according to Le Monde. As it stands, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations remains without an official winner.
As reported by infobae.com.
