Social media has been flooded with rumors claiming that CAF and FIFA have imposed severe sanctions against Senegal following the controversial AFCON 2025 final against Morocco. According to these unverified claims, Senegal would lose their African title, face a five million euro fine, and see their coach and several players suspended from the upcoming World Cup matches. However, an investigation into these claims reveals they are entirely unfounded.
The controversy stems from the chaotic final played on January 18, 2026, at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. With the score at 0-0 deep into stoppage time, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty after a VAR review showed a challenge by Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Diaz. Senegalese players, already frustrated after having a goal disallowed for a foul on Achraf Hakimi, left the pitch in protest at the direction of coach Pape Thiaw, halting the match for approximately 14 minutes.
The rumors circulating online claim that CAF decided to strip Senegal of their trophy and award Morocco the victory on technical grounds, citing that the walkout encouraged violent behavior from supporters and disrupted Moroccan players, particularly Brahim Diaz who subsequently missed his penalty. Some versions even suggest Morocco was unfairly sanctioned by playing with numerical disadvantage during the final minutes. These claims are categorically false.
In reality, CAF issued a statement condemning the unacceptable behavior of certain players and officials but has not announced any official sanctions. The continental body confirmed it is reviewing all available footage and will refer the case to appropriate disciplinary bodies for potential measures. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also condemned the scenes but stopped short of announcing specific punishments. Meanwhile, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation has filed a formal complaint, but no ruling has been issued.
The match ultimately resumed after intervention from senior players including Sadio Mane. Diaz missed his penalty with a poorly executed Panenka chip, and Senegal went on to win 1-0 through Pape Gueye's strike in extra time. Coach Thiaw later apologized for his actions. As of now, Senegal remains the legitimate AFCON 2025 champion, and any claims of sanctions stripping their title or banning them from the World Cup are pure fabrication circulating as misinformation.
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