CAF internal admissions… controversy reignites one month after AFCON 2025 final

Controversy has resurfaced within the corridors of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), one month after the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), hosted by Morocco.

The tournament ended with Senegal national football team crowned champions following their 1-0 victory over Morocco national football team. However, according to French outlet Foot Mercato, the repercussions of that decisive clash are still being felt, particularly after fresh statements from members of CAF’s Executive Committee.

Heated Atmosphere and Refereeing Debate

The final was marked by a charged atmosphere during the match, amid refereeing controversy regarding a penalty awarded to Morocco. The situation escalated when several Senegal players briefly left the pitch in protest against that decision.

The report highlights that Senegal star Sadio Mané played a pivotal role in convincing his teammates to return to the field and resume the match.

Morocco’s Ibrahim Díaz later missed a crucial penalty, before Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal that sealed the title for the “Lions of Teranga.”

Internal Admissions at CAF

In a development that has reignited debate, Foot Mercato reported that Olivier Safari, Chairman of CAF’s Referees Committee, admitted during an Executive Committee meeting that every Senegal player who left the pitch should have received a yellow card upon returning.

However, he reportedly acknowledged that instructions were given not to apply the sanctions in order to ensure the match continued and avoid a premature abandonment — a revelation interpreted as implicit recognition of external influence on the game.

Meanwhile, Samir Sobha, CAF Executive Committee member and President of the Mauritius Football Association, issued a striking statement.

“I apologize to the Moroccan Football Federation for the injustice that befell them,” Sobha said. “The rules were not respected as they should have been during this match… They (the Moroccans) were deprived.”

He added: “All the players should have been cautioned after the Senegal team left the pitch. I am not saying the trophy should not be awarded to Senegal — what happened has happened — but we must acknowledge that an injustice occurred against the Moroccan national team.”

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