Breaking: CAF introduces major reforms following Morocco-Senegal controversy
In response to the legal deadlock surrounding CAN 2025, which is currently under review by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), CAF President Patrice Motsepe has announced a comprehensive overhaul of the federation’s regulations. This move is designed to rebuild trust in African refereeing and the VAR system while ensuring the complete autonomy of judicial bodies, such as the Disciplinary Board and Appeal Committee. By implementing a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and ensuring equal treatment for all member nations, CAF aims to move past the incidents that marred the final between Morocco and Senegal. As the continental crown remains in limbo awaiting the Lausanne verdict, these structural changes represent a pivotal moment for the integrity of football in Africa ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Currently, no official confirmation regarding the definitive CAN 2025 winner has been released. This period is seen as a vital window to clarify the situation and set future standards for the tournament.
A final decision from CAS could take several months. Standard arbitration usually lasts between nine and twelve months, though an expedited process could see a resolution within approximately eight weeks if all parties agree.
Status update as of March 23
The conflict over the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final has reached a new peak. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has officially suspended the attribution of the title to Morocco, who had been named winners by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This provisional measure follows a legal challenge submitted by Senegal, who disputed the initial ruling by African disciplinary authorities.
Context from March 17:
Earlier in March 2026, CAF issued a statement declaring Morocco the winner of CAN 2025 following the disturbances during the final match. Senegal, despite their performance on the pitch, was handed a 3-0 forfeit defeat.
The CAF Appeal Board, citing Article 84 of the tournament regulations, ruled that the Senegalese national team forfeited the final held in Morocco, resulting in a 3-0 victory for the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).
Summary of CAF Appeal Board Decisions:
- The appeal by the FRMF was deemed admissible and justified.
- The previous Disciplinary Board decision was overturned.
- The board determined that Senegal‘s actions fell under Articles 82 and 84 of the regulations.
- It was concluded that the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) violated Article 82 through the conduct of its team.
- Consequently, Senegal was declared to have forfeited the match with a 3-0 scoreline in favor of Morocco.
Additional rulings included a revised two-match suspension for Moroccan player Ismaël Saibari and various fines for the FRMF regarding ball boy conduct ($50,000) and VAR zone interference ($100,000).
The big question: who will ultimately claim the CAN 2025/2026 title?
This legal battle has left African football in an unprecedented state of uncertainty. Following the CAS decision to freeze Morocco‘s title, the timeline for a final resolution is now the primary concern for fans tracking Faso breaking news and regional sports updates.
1. Standard Timeline: 6 to 12 Months
Typically, an appeal at CAS involves extensive written submissions, arbitrator appointments, and hearings. A final verdict might not arrive until late 2026 or early 2027.
2. The Accelerated Procedure Option
If Senegal and CAF agree to a faster track, a decision could be reached much sooner. However, given the high stakes, a quick consensus on the schedule is rare.
3. Impact of the Provisional Suspension
While the title is suspended:
- Morocco cannot be officially listed as champions.
- The $10 million prize money and the physical trophy remain frozen.
- The 2025 honors list remains technically vacant.
Core of the Dispute:
Senegal argues the match was completed on the field with a 1-0 victory. Morocco and CAF maintain that the temporary exit of Senegalese players from the pitch constituted a definitive forfeit under Article 84. CAS will review the entire case “de novo,” and its final ruling will be binding.
Stay updated on the 2025-2026 Africa Cup of Nations: explore group standings, the full match schedule, and live results. From the opening match on December 21 to the final on January 18, 2026, we cover every moment of the action.
🚨 CAN 2025-2026: Senegal’s journey to the final
Qualified teams for the tournament
The 24 nations that competed in this 35th edition included:
- North Africa: Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia
- West Africa: Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria, Bénin, Equatorial Guinea
- Central Africa: Cameroon, DR Congo, Gabon
- Southern Africa: South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique
- East Africa: Uganda, Tanzanie, Comoros
- Central & East: Angola, Botswana, Sudan
🇲🇦 CAN 2026: Round of 16 matchups
- Senegal vs Sudan
- Mali vs Tunisia
- Morocco vs Tanzanie
- South Africa vs Cameroon
- Egypt vs Bénin
- Nigeria vs Mozambique
- Algeria vs DR Congo
- Côte d’Ivoire vs Burkina Faso
Knockout stage results
Round of 16 Scores:
- Senegal 3-1 Sudan
- Mali 1-1 Tunisia (Mali win on pens)
- Morocco 1-0 Tanzanie
- South Africa 1-2 Cameroon
- Egypt 3-1 Bénin
- Nigeria 4-0 Mozambique
- Algeria 1-0 DR Congo
- Côte d’Ivoire 2-0 Burkina Faso
For those following Ouagadougou English news, the Stallions’ journey ended in a tough match against the Elephants in Marrakech.
Quarter-final highlights
- Mali 0-1 Senegal
- Cameroon 0-2 Morocco
- Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
- Egypt 3-2 Côte d’Ivoire
Semi-final results
Senegal 1-0 Egypt: A 78th-minute goal by Sadio Mané at the Grand Stade de Tanger sent the Lions of Teranga to the final.
Morocco 0-0 Nigeria (4-2 pens): Yassine Bounou was the hero in Rabat, saving two penalties to secure Morocco‘s spot in the final.
The Final: Senegal vs Morocco
In a high-tension final at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 after extra time. Pape Gueye scored the winning goal with a stunning strike into the top corner. The match was marked by intense Burkina security-level focus on the pitch as refereeing controversies sparked protests, but the score held, initially giving Senegal their second continental star.
Looking ahead: CAN 2027
The 36th edition will be hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzanie from June 19 to July 18, 2027. Senegal will look to defend their title against 47 other nations in the upcoming qualifiers.
FAQ – CAN 2025-2026 winner
Who won the 2025-2026 Africa Cup of Nations?
On the field, Senegal won 1-0. However, a CAF appeal initially named Morocco winners via forfeit, a decision currently suspended by CAS.
Where was the final held?
The final took place in Rabat at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah.
