The Appeal Board, an independent CAF judicial body chaired by a judge, overturned Senegal’s 1-0 victory after ruling that the team’s walk off in protest of a stoppage time penalty constituted a violation of Articles 82 and 84. As a result, the final was officially awarded 3-0 to Morocco.
Citing articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations, the authorities determined that the conduct of the Senegal national team warranted a severe penalty.
During the final in Rabat, Senegal had won 1-0 after a chaotic match. Following a penalty awarded to Morocco in stoppage time of the second half, just after a Senegal goal was disallowed.
Several Senegalese players temporarily left the pitch while threatening to abandon the final before returning, while Senegalese supporters attempted to invade the field and threw objects onto the pitch.
After Moroccan winger Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, both teams played extra time, where Senegal secured victory thanks to a goal from Pape Gueye.
Credibility of African football in question
The 64-year-old Motsepe admitted he was “extremely disappointed” by the incidents during final of the 2025 edition, stressing the developments have cast a shadow over the integrity and credibility of African football.
According to the CAF supremo, the events undermined years of effort aimed at restoring trust, fairness, and strong governance within the continent’s football administration.
“I have been informed of the decision rendered by the CAF Appeals Committee regarding Morocco’s appeal concerning the final match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, and I have previously expressed my deep disappointment with the incidents that occurred during that final,” said Motsepe.
“The most important aspect of what happened during that match is that it undermines the considerable work carried out by CAF over many years to guarantee the integrity, respect, ethics, good governance, and credibility of the results of our football matches.
“The events and incidents that occurred during the final of the 2025 AFCON in Morocco highlight the work that still needs to be done to address suspicion and a lack of trust. This is a legacy of the past.”
Motsepe highlighted concerns about the perception of refereeing standards, match officiating, and the independence of CAF’s judicial bodies, noting that these areas remain under scrutiny despite ongoing reforms.
‘When I became president, one of the major concerns was the impartiality, independence, and respect shown to referees and match commissioners. Much progress has been made, but a certain mistrust remains due to this legacy,” added Motsepe.
“This is an issue that has existed for many years and that we continue to address because it is essential. Another important point highlighted by the incidents in this final concerns the independence and respect shown to our judicial bodies.”
Revealing how members of the judicial bodies were selected, Motsepe said: “In selecting members for our judicial bodies, we adopted a different approach, distinct from that which prevailed previously.
“We invited each member association, as well as each of the six CAF regional zones, to nominate renowned judges and respected lawyers, as it is essential that the decisions of our Disciplinary Committee, the CAF Disciplinary Committee, and the CAF Appeals Committee be perceived with the respect and integrity that are fundamental to us.
“Therefore, if you examine the composition of these bodies, you will find that they include some of the most respected jurists and judges on the continent.”
Motsepe continued: “We still need to address perceptions and concerns related to integrity. This is a long-term undertaking.
“At CAF, we are fully committed to ensuring not only the quality of our actions, as we have implemented best practices, but also to identifying judges and lawyers from every region, every zone, and all 54 African countries to ensure they are individuals of integrity with recognized experience.
“This independence is reflected in the decisions made by both bodies. The CAF Disciplinary Committee issued a ruling. The CAF Appeals Committee took a completely different position.”
Senegal have right to escalate the matter
Regarding Senegal’s decision to appeal CAF’s verdit, Motsepe made it clear the West African nation have the right to escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
He further assured CAF will fully respect whatever verdict is reached at the highest level of sports arbitration.
“I have been informed Senegal is considering an appeal, which is very important. Each of the 54 African nations has the right to pursue all necessary legal avenues to defend its interests, not only at the highest level in Africa, within CAF, but also before the highest court, the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” explained Motsepe.
“And we will comply with and respect the decision that will be made at the highest level. A key principle is that no African country will be treated more favorably, advantageously, or favorably than any other country on the African continent.”
Motsepe finally assured Africa that CAF has begun reviewing its processes, with plans to implement corrective measures in areas identified as weaknesses during the final.
“We have already taken significant steps to ensure the areas identified as having shortcomings and requiring improvement undergo the necessary reforms,” he said.
“We hold ourselves to very high standards. It is essential for us that ordinary fans and spectators in each of the 54 African countries, according to their own judgment—and not that of CAF or myself—consider the decisions of our judicial bodies to be fair, honest, and impartial.
“It is equally important they consider our referees, VAR operators, and match commissioners to be fair and just. The decisions that are made must reflect the impartiality and independence that are absolutely essential.”
Senegal have already confirmed they will appeal CAF’s verdict and will fight to have their title restored.
