Morocco set to continue WAFCON preparation following CAF’s shocking AFCON title decision

On Tuesday night, CAF released a statement that Senegal have been stripped of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.

The decision came from CAF's Appeals Committee, a few months after Senegal won the AFCON competition following a 1-0 extra-time victory over Morocco in the final.

Senegal were found to be in violation of tournament rules by the committee after the team walked off the field for 17 minutes.

According to Article 82 of the competition's rules, the governing body will automatically declare any team that refuses to play or leaves the field without the referee's consent to be the loser.

According to reports from Olúwashínà Òkélèjì on X, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) provided a short statement after CAF's appeal board verdict, reiterating their intention to focus on the 2030 FIFA World Cup and the 2026 Women’s AFCON (WAFCON).

The statement reads, “Following the decision by the CAF Appeal Board, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) welcomes a ruling that upholds respect for rules that are necessary for the proper functioning of international competition.

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

“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.

CAF officially announced a rescheduling of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 a few weeks ago, which was slated to kick off in the spring.

However, to protect the tournament's standing and commercial value, CAF announced a new schedule for the competition, which will be hosted by Morocco, with the event set to take place from July 25 to August 16, 2026.