Africa-Press. The aftermath of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final is still echoing in the legal corridors of the CAF, and amid rising public debate, the most pressing question is: can Senegal have its title revoked?
Senegal won its second title after defeating Morocco 1-0 in a thrilling marathon match that went into two extra periods following a scoreless regular time.
Title revocation is highly unlikely
Despite public outrage over Senegal’s temporary withdrawal, legal sources confirm that revoking the title remains “very unlikely” from a technical and legal standpoint.
The reason: the match was actually completed to the final whistle, with a result achieved on the field. According to FIFA and CAF regulations, as long as the match is not fully canceled due to withdrawal, the recorded result is generally upheld, protecting Senegal’s title.
Regulations expert clarifies the withdrawal issue
Tarik Dhib, sports governance advisor and former CAF Information Director, emphasizes the distinction between “Refusal to Play” and “Temporary Stoppage” and confirms that revoking the title is nearly impossible legally.
– Article 82 of the CAF Disciplinary Code states that full withdrawal results in:
– Automatic 3-0 defeat (unless the actual score favors the opponent).
– Exclusion from the competition (if withdrawal occurs before the final).
Possible suspension for the national federation in the next edition.
The match was not permanently stopped: referee Jean-Jacques Ndala waited, CAF officials intervened, and Senegal captain Sadio Mané brought the Lions of Teranga back to finish the game. The final score was validated in the Match Commissioner Report.
Morocco’s stance: sporting justice first
Reports indicate that Morocco is not necessarily seeking to strip the title, but rather to enforce sporting justice, preventing temporary withdrawal scenarios from recurring in future competitions.
Expected sanctions for Senegal
While the title will not be revoked, Senegal could face severe penalties to protect CAF and FIFA credibility:
1- Long suspension for coach Babby Thiao: for inciting players to leave the field. Suspension could reach 1–2 years, affecting:
2- 2026 World Cup participation.
3- 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Significant financial fine: a substantial portion of the $7 million prize may be withheld to compensate sponsors and TV broadcasters for the 14-minute stoppage.
Administrative sanctions: stern warnings or bans from playing in front of spectators in one or two upcoming matches as a deterrent.
Public reaction
On social media, Arab influencers and journalists stressed that the value of the Africa Cup lies in respecting its rules, and that the incident at Complexe Moulay Abdellah went beyond a simple protest, striking at the very spirit of sportsmanship, calling for decisive action beyond financial fines.
