Morocco explains AFCON 2025 victory : “A simple application of the rules”

AFCON 2025: Morocco “Takes Note” of CAF decision, calls for respect of regulations

FRMF reacts cautiously after being awarded the title. Following the ruling of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regarding the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco has issued its first official response.

In a statement, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) said it “takes note” of the decision made by CAF’s Appeal Committee, which declared Senegal to have forfeited the final, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory.

A focus on rules rather than sporting controversy

The FRMF emphasized that its approach was never intended to challenge the sporting performances of the teams involved, but rather to ensure the proper application of competition regulations. The federation reaffirmed its commitment to respect for rules, clarity in competition frameworks, and the stability of African football competitions.

A message of respect toward all participating nations

In a conciliatory tone, the FRMF praised all the teams that took part in the tournament, describing AFCON 2025 as a major milestone for African football. This approach reflects Morocco’s intention to ease tensions following a highly controversial final.

Further statement expected

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation also announced that a more detailed statement will be released after consultations with its governing bodies. This upcoming communication is expected to provide further clarity on Morocco’s official stance following CAF’s landmark decision.

AFCON 2025: Morocco officially crowned champions after CAF decision

CAF awards final victory to Morocco following Senegal forfeiture. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially declared Morocco as the winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after ruling that Senegal forfeited the final. According to the decision issued by CAF’s Appeal Committee, the match has been awarded as a 3-0 victory in favor of Morocco, in line with Article 84 of the tournament regulations.

A historic decision in African football

This ruling marks a significant and rare moment in African football history. While the final had initially ended under controversial circumstances, CAF’s decision now provides an official and definitive outcome. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) is therefore recognized as the official AFCON 2025 champion.

CAF applies regulations to close the case

CAF’s Appeal Committee emphasized that the decision strictly follows the competition’s disciplinary framework. In cases of forfeiture, regulations clearly state that the opposing team is awarded a 3-0 win. This administrative ruling brings closure to a highly debated final that had drawn attention across the continent.

Reactions expected as Senegal considers next steps

While Morocco celebrates its continental title, attention now turns to Senegal, which may consider further legal action through international sports bodies.

Regardless of potential appeals, CAF’s decision currently stands as final, confirming Morocco’s status as AFCON 2025 champions.

AFCON Morocco 2025 Confirms the Global Rise of African Football

The full report on the tournament’s global performance is expected to be published in the coming weeks by international analytics firm Nielsen.

These figures position the tournament organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) among the fastest-growing global sporting properties in terms of audience reach and international visibility.

Morocco’s AFCON Becomes the Most Widely Broadcast in History

Global broadcast expansion drives international exposure

A key factor behind the tournament’s success was its record-breaking global media distribution.

Through its commercial partnership with sports marketing agency IMG, CAF increased the number of international broadcasters by 50% compared with the 2023 edition held in Ivory Coast.

New broadcasting agreements were secured in several major markets including:

• Japan through DAZN

• South Korea via NAVER and STN Sports

• China through Douyin

• Mexico via Fox Sports and Claro Sports

• Spain through Movistar Plus+

This extensive network made AFCON Morocco 2025 the most widely distributed edition in the competition’s history.

Europe and South America Drive Audience Growth

Strong performances in key international markets

European markets played a major role in the tournament’s rising global popularity.

In the United Kingdom, the final broadcast on Channel 4 attracted more than 3 million viewers. Meanwhile, in Germany, over 4 million fans watched the final via Sportdigital.

Interest also surged in Brazil, where the tournament drew over 24 million viewers, confirming the growing appeal of African football in South America.

New Markets Emerging in Asia

India records strong first-time viewership

AFCON Morocco 2025 also made significant progress in Asian markets.

In India, the competition was streamed on FanCode and attracted more than 800,000 viewers, an impressive figure for the tournament’s first major exposure in the country.

This breakthrough highlights Asia as a promising growth region for CAF’s international media strategy.

Commercial Value and Global Brand Visibility Increase

Sponsors and partners benefit from the tournament’s expansion

Beyond viewership figures, the tournament also delivered strong commercial performance.

CAF reported:

• 32% growth in media value for partners in Europe

• 35% increase in global media rights revenues across Europe, Asia and South America

• 65% increase in sponsor visibility in European and South American markets

These numbers underline how AFCON Morocco 2025 strengthened both the global profile of African football and Morocco’s reputation as a host of major international sporting events.

AFCON 2025 Final : Senegalese Supporters Receive a “Fair Trial”, Says Moroccan Human Rights Organization

Judicial proceedings involving several Senegalese nationals following incidents during the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations continue to draw attention. In a report published on Thursday, the Moroccan Organization for Human Rights (OMDH) stated that the trial taking place in Morocco complies with the standards of a fair trial.

According to the organization, the legal process has respected fundamental guarantees provided by international law as well as the Moroccan Constitution, throughout the judicial proceedings.

Defense Allowed to Present Its Arguments Freely

Court independence and presumption of innocence respected

In its assessment, the OMDH emphasized that the court maintained its independence and impartiality while handling the case.

The accused individuals were reportedly able to respond freely to questions and benefited from the principle of presumption of innocence, a cornerstone of international legal standards.

Both the defense and the civil parties were also given sufficient time during the hearings to present their arguments and exercise their right of reply.

The report further notes that the postponements recorded during the proceedings were requested by the defendants themselves, mainly to allow their lawyers to be present or to provide additional time to prepare their defense.

Public Hearings Held in Open Court

Transparent proceedings accessible to the public

The human rights organization also underlined that the hearings were conducted publicly, ensuring transparency in the judicial process.

Members of the public were able to access the courtroom freely, from the entrance of the courthouse to the hearing chamber.

The accused appeared under security escort, in accordance with judicial procedures. However, their handcuffs were reportedly removed before the official start of the hearings.

Conflicting Accounts of the Stadium Incidents

Most defendants deny the accusations

According to the report, most of the defendants rejected the charges brought against them.

Some stated that they had entered the pitch in order to ask supporters to return to the stands, while others claimed they were trying to retrieve personal belongings that had fallen onto the field.

A few defendants said they had been pushed onto the pitch by the crowd during the post-match confusion.

Several individuals also expressed regret over the incidents and issued apologies, while emphasizing the strong relations between Senegal and Morocco.

Medical Incident Reported During a Hearing

One defendant briefly hospitalized

The OMDH report also mentioned a medical incident during the February 5, 2026 hearing.

One of the defendants reportedly felt unwell and was immediately assisted by the court’s medical staff before being transferred to the infirmary for further care.

Morocco appoints Mohamed Ouahbi as new Atlas Lions head coach

 

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has officially appointed Mohamed Ouahbi as the new head coach of Morocco’s national team. The announcement was made on Thursday, March 5, 2026, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Atlas Lions following the departure of Walid Regragui.

The decision is part of the federation’s strategic roadmap titled “Morocco 2030”, unveiled by FRMF president Fouzi Lekjaa. The initiative aims to strengthen Morocco’s football structure and maintain the country’s growing influence on the continental and international stage.

Mohamed Ouahbi, a coach developed within the Moroccan football system, has built a strong reputation in recent years. He notably led Morocco’s U20 national team to a FIFA World Cup title, highlighting his ability to develop young talents and build competitive squads.

By appointing Ouahbi, the FRMF reiterates its commitment to promoting Moroccan expertise while ensuring continuity between youth development and the senior national team.

To further strengthen the technical staff, the federation has also confirmed the arrival of Portuguese coach João Sacramento. The experienced tactician previously worked as an assistant coach at top European clubs including Paris Saint-Germain, AS Roma and Tottenham Hotspur. His role will be to bring international-level methodology and enhance the team’s preparation and performance standards.

At the same time, the FRMF expressed its gratitude to former head coach Walid Regragui for his commitment and contribution to Moroccan football. Regragui also thanked King Mohammed VI, the federation and Moroccan supporters for their continued support during his tenure.

With Mohamed Ouahbi now in charge and a reinforced technical staff, Morocco aims to continue its rise and remain one of Africa’s most competitive national teams ahead of major international tournaments.

FIFA Under Infantino: Lekjaa Hails a “Quiet Revolution” in Global Football

A Decade of Structural Transformation at FIFA

Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), has praised what he describes as a “quiet revolution” in global football under FIFA President Gianni Infantino, marking ten years since Infantino’s election on February 26, 2016.

In a video message released on Morocco’s national team social media platforms, Lekjaa highlighted what he called a “comprehensive transformation” of FIFA, emphasizing governance reform, financial restructuring, and expanded global development programs.

Governance Reform and Financial Growth as Key Drivers

According to Lekjaa, one of the most significant achievements of Infantino’s presidency has been the overhaul of FIFA’s governance framework and financial management system.

He noted that financial restructuring led to:

• Increased FIFA revenues
• Expanded development funding for member associations
• Strengthened investment in infrastructure and technical training
• Greater support for women’s and youth football

Lekjaa argued that these reforms enabled FIFA to double and even triple development efforts across continents, particularly benefiting emerging football nations.

Expansion of Competitions and Globalization Strategy

Another major pillar of change has been the reform of international competitions. The expansion of the FIFA World Cup format, alongside the strengthening of youth and women’s tournaments, reflects what Lekjaa described as a clear strategy of globalizing football.

This broader inclusion has allowed more national teams to participate on the world stage, reinforcing FIFA’s commitment to competitive balance and global representation.

Morocco and the 2030 World Cup: A Symbol of a New Era

Lekjaa pointed to Morocco’s co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal as a concrete example of FIFA’s evolving global vision.

The 2030 edition will:

• Mark the centenary of the FIFA World Cup
• Be hosted across two continents
• Represent the second World Cup held on African soil

For Lekjaa, this reflects Africa’s growing influence within international football governance.

Rabat as FIFA’s African Hub

The establishment of FIFA’s regional African office in Rabat was also highlighted as a strategic milestone.

Lekjaa described it as a major opportunity for:

• Capacity building
• Technical development
• Institutional strengthening across African federations

He stressed that all African member associations have benefited from enhanced development funding during the past decade.

A Decade of Institutional Stability and Global Expansion

In conclusion, Lekjaa stated that Gianni Infantino’s leadership has delivered qualitative progress at FIFA, consolidating financial stability while expanding the organization’s global reach.

As FIFA enters its second decade under Infantino, the Moroccan football chief believes the governing body is more structured, inclusive, and globally balanced than ever before.

Why Morocco is a Must-Visit Destination ?

A Practical Guide : Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling to Morocco

Investing in Morocco : Opportunities and Growing Sectors

Morocco offers one of the most attractive investment climates in Africa. Here’s why you should consider investing in the country.

Why Invest in Morocco?

• Strategic Location: Morocco serves as a gateway between Africa and Europe.
• Business-Friendly Policies: The government offers tax incentives, free trade zones, and investment grants.
• Strong Infrastructure: The country boasts modern roads, high-speed railways, and international ports.

Key Investment Sectors

• Real Estate: Morocco’s booming tourism sector has driven demand for luxury hotels and residential properties.
• Renewable Energy: The country is a leader in solar and wind energy, with significant investments in green projects.
• Tourism: The government actively supports the tourism industry, making it an ideal sector for investment.
• Agriculture and Agribusiness: Morocco’s fertile land offers great opportunities for food production and exports.

Morocco’s economic potential makes it an ideal destination for investors looking for stability and growth in Africa.