The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has reiterated its confidence in delivering a successful Women’s Africa Cup of Nations despite ongoing controversy linked to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
The assurance follows a disputed ruling by the Confederation of African Football, which awarded Morocco the AFCON 2025 title after Senegal were stripped of victory.
Senegal had initially beaten Morocco 1-0 after extra time in the final played on January 18.
However, the result was later overturned after the Senegalese side staged a 17-minute walk-off in protest against a stoppage-time penalty awarded to the hosts.
CAF’s Appeals Committee, acting under Article 82 of its regulations, ruled that any team that leaves the pitch without the referee’s approval forfeits the match.
The decision handed Morocco a 3-0 victory and their first AFCON title in 50 years.
Senegal have rejected the verdict and confirmed their intention to challenge it at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Moroccan FA said it was not disputing the outcome on sporting grounds but maintaining its stance on the enforcement of rules and fairness in African football.
It partly read, “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.
Meanwhile, CAF had earlier postponed the 2026 WAFCON, originally scheduled for March 17 to April 3, due to unforeseen circumstances.
The expanded tournament is now set to take place from July 25 to August 16, 2026, with Morocco still confirmed as hosts.
