CAF strips Senegal of AFCON title, Morocco declared winners 

MOROCCO – In an unprecedented turn of events, the CAF Appeal Board has officially crowned host nation Morocco as the champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The decision follows a dramatic overturning of the final’s original result against Senegal.

The ruling comes after the Lions of Teranga staged a walk-off protest during the final match in Rabat. According to a detailed statement released by CAF, the match has been retrospectively recorded as a 3-0 forfeit victory for the Atlas Lions.

The Stoppage-Time Catalyst

The controversy erupted deep into stoppage time with the match balanced on a knife-edge. After Morocco’s Brahim Diaz went down in the penalty area, the referee initially allowed play to continue. However, following a VAR review, a penalty was awarded to the hosts.

Incensed by the decision, Senegal’s head coach Pape Thiaw signaled for his team to leave the pitch. The resulting delay and refusal to resume play led the CAF Appeal Board to cite a breach of tournament regulations.

The Legal Verdict

The Appeal Board ruled that Senegal’s actions fell under Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations, which govern team conduct and match abandonment. By vacating the field, Senegal was deemed to have forfeited the match.

“The appeal lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) is declared admissible and the appeal is upheld,” the CAF statement confirmed. “The Senegal team is declared to have forfeited the match, with the result recorded as 3–0 in favour of Morocco.”

Fines and Additional Sanctions

While Morocco was awarded the trophy, they did not escape the board’s scrutiny entirely. The ruling addressed several secondary incidents from the chaotic final:

* Ismaël Saibari: The Moroccan player’s fine was set aside, but he received a two-match suspension (one match suspended) for misconduct.

* Ball Boy Conduct: The FRMF was fined $50,000 for the behavior of the ball boys during the match.

* VAR Interference: A $100,000 fine against the FRMF was upheld regarding interference around the VAR review area.

* Laser Incident: A reduced fine of $10,000 was issued to the hosts for the use of lasers by fans.

This ruling effectively strips Senegal of what would have been their second continental title, handing Morocco their first AFCON trophy since 1976 under extraordinary administrative circumstances.

Manchester United Confirms Casemiro Will Leave at Season’s End Despite Stellar Form

Manchester United have reaffirmed that veteran midfielder Casemiro will leave the club at the end of the 2025–26 season, despite his recent strong performances that have endeared him further to fans and teammates. The decision comes as part of United’s broader plan to overhaul the squad and manage wage costs.

The 34-year-old Brazilian, who joined United from Real Madrid in 2022, announced in January that he would not renew his contract, which pays him £350,000 per week, when it expires in June. The club’s co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe previously highlighted the financial strain of Casemiro’s salary, reportedly £18.2 million per year, as a factor in United’s decision not to trigger the optional contract extension.

Despite his impending departure, Casemiro has delivered crucial performances, including scoring the opening goal in United’s 3–1 Premier League victory over Aston Villa, marking his seventh goal of the season, six from headers. The midfielder celebrated his goal by pointing to the club badge, prompting fans to chant “One more year, Casemiro” in support of extending his stay.

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United captain Bruno Fernandes and defender Leny Yoro expressed their hope that Casemiro might remain at the club, citing his influence in the dressing room and on the field. Defender Noussair Mazraoui described the announcement as “a sad day” for the team, acknowledging Casemiro’s leadership and professionalism since joining United.

However, sources close to the club confirmed to BBC Sport that there are no plans to reconsider the decision. Interim head coach Michael Carrick also noted that the decision had been made clear to the squad, praising Casemiro’s impact while confirming that the club intends to stick to its course. “When something is decided it makes it a little bit easier and everyone understands the situation,” Carrick said.

Fans and pundits have speculated about Casemiro’s next move, with clubs such as AC Milan and Juventus reportedly interested in acquiring the experienced midfielder on a free transfer. Discussions around the timing of his exit also highlight potential appearance-based clauses that could have extended his stay, though Manchester United have opted not to pursue this.

Casemiro’s departure marks the end of a pivotal chapter at Old Trafford, where his combative midfield play and clutch performances have made him a fan favorite and a vital component of the team’s success since joining from Spain.

Manchester United Confirms Casemiro Will Leave at Season’s End Despite Stellar Form

FIFA Fines Nigeria, DR Congo After Controversial World Cup 2026 Play-Off

Four months after a controversial 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-off final, FIFA has sanctioned both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the DR Congo Football Federation following disciplinary infractions during the match. The play-off, held in Morocco on November 16, 2025, ended in a 4–3 penalty shootout victory for DR Congo after a 1–1 draw.

According to FIFA’s disciplinary report, Nigeria was penalised for crowd misconduct, specifically the throwing of objects by spectators, under Article 17 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The NFF was fined 1,000 Swiss francs for the breach.

The DR Congo Football Federation received a heavier fine of 5,000 Swiss francs after its supporters were found using laser pointers and other electronic devices, violating Article 17.2.d of the disciplinary code.

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The sanctions come amid an ongoing eligibility dispute. Nigeria filed a formal complaint with FIFA on December 15, 2025, alleging that DR Congo fielded players with questionable eligibility, including several overseas-born athletes whose nationality switches were finalised just days before the match. The petition lists players such as Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, among others.

In response, DR Congo removed two of the contested players — Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens — from their 26-man squad ahead of the intercontinental play-off scheduled for March 31, 2026, where they will face the winner of the semi-final between New Caledonia and Jamaica.

The disciplinary measures reinforce FIFA’s commitment to match-day safety and order, while the eligibility case remains under review. A ruling in Nigeria’s favour could affect DR Congo’s qualification, while a rejection would confirm their spot in the intercontinental play-offs.

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle also controversially accused DR Congo officials of using voodoo practices after the defeat, highlighting the intense emotions surrounding the match.

FIFA Fines Nigeria, DR Congo After Controversial World Cup 2026 Play-Off