Morocco enters AFCON debate as Senegal’s stripped victory triggers backlash

The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) has weighed in on the ongoing heated debates in the football space following the recent ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which declared Morocco’s men’s team winners of the TotalEnergies CAF African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

It will be recalled that on March 17, 2026, CAF, in a statement, nullified Senegal’s AFCON victory following their brief walk-off during the final match.

Following the ruling, both CAF and the FRMF have come under heavy criticisms on social media and within the football community.

In a recent development, the FRMF, in a statement issued on March 18, 2026, said it welcomed CAF’s decision.

According to the FRMF, it has always maintained that the Moroccan side rightfully won the AFCON title, adding that its decision to challenge the final was solely to ensure that tournament rules were respected.

“Following the decision by the CAF Appeal Board, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation welcomes a ruling that upholds respect for rules necessary for the proper functioning of international competitions.

“From the moment the final was interrupted, the FRMF has been clear in its position and objective: the application of the 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,” the statement read.

The statement further noted that CAF’s decision would serve as a framework for handling similar situations in the future.

“This decision helps 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 added.

=Watch the full video below:

A statement from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation after Morocco were crowned Africa Cup of Nations winners following a major ruling that overturned Senegal’s victory in the final ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/ApHYgAAzDN

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 18, 2026