Morocco issue first statement after being awarded AFCON title as Senegal stripped

Morocco's football federation have issued a first statement after being handed the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations in a hugely controversial move.

Morocco were beaten 1-0 by Senegal in the final on home soil back in January, with Pape Gueye scoring an extra time winner.

Senegal had been ordered off the pitch by their manager Pape Thiaw in stoppage time after Morocco were handed a late penalty.

They eventually returned around 16 minutes later thanks to the efforts of Sadio Mane and Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz, who won the spot-kick, saw his effort easily saved by Edouard Mendy.

But 58 days after the fixture, Senegal were stripped of the victory on Tuesday night after the CAF released a statement where they said the winners had forfeited.

Article 82 of AFCON's regulations state that "if a team refuses to play or leaves the ground before the regular end of the match without the authorisation of the referee, it shall be considered loser and shall be eliminated for good from the current competition", hence the verdict.

Morocco were therefore awarded a second AFCON title and the nation's governing body issued a statement where they appreciated the CAF acknowledging "the application of regulations governing the competition".

Sadio Mane captained Senegal to an AFCON win, only for the country to be stripped of the victory. Image: Getty

An official statement read "Following the decision by the CAF Appeal Board, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) welcomes a ruling that upholds respect for rules that are necessary for the proper functioning of international competition.

"From the moment the Final was interrupted, the FRMF has been clear in its position and goal: the application of regulations governing the competition. It has never been about challenging the sporting performance of the teams involved, but solely to ensure that the tournament rules are respected.

"Following the initial decision, which the FRMF appealed, CAF has acknowledged that the rules, known to all and applicable to all, had not been respected.

"The FRMF has complied with the correct procedures governing the resolution of disputes, including submitting its arguments and taking part in the hearings to which it was invited.

"This decision helps to clarify the framework applicable to similar situations in the future and contributes to the consistency and credibility of international competitions, particularly African football.

"The FRMF will continue to advocate with continental and international bodies for the fair application of the rules governing the competitions it participates in. It now intends to turn its attention towards upcoming sporting events, in particular the upcoming FIFA World Cup and the Women’s AFCON this summer.

"The Federation wishes to commend all the nations that took part in this edition of AFCON."

READ MORE: Jamie Carragher appears to address AFCON final drama after previous controversial comments

READ MORE: Egypt legend Mido causes outrage with post about AFCON after Senegal stripped of title

Senegal intend to take legal action after CAF decision

Abdoulaye Seydou Sow, secretary general of the Senegalese FA, has said they will take legal action by appealing to Court of Arbitration for Sport.

“This is a travesty; this decision is based on absolutely nothing, It has no legal foundation," he told Radiodiffusion Télévision Sénégalaise via The Guardian.

"The president of the federation will get in touch with the lawyers; we will engage with the appropriate authorities, and then we will go to the court of arbitration for sport, which will issue the final decision.”