The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has descended into controversy after a dramatic reversal saw Morocco national football team declared champions months after Senegal national football team had originally lifted the trophy.
Senegal were initially crowned winners following a 1-0 extra-time victory over the hosts in the final. However, a ruling by the CAF Appeals Board later awarded Morocco a 3-0 win, citing a technical forfeiture linked to Senegal’s brief mid-match walkout in protest of a penalty decision. The adjustment effectively overturned the original result two months after the tournament concluded.
The decision has triggered widespread debate across the football world, with Senegal already lodging an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne.
Amid the uncertainty, UK betting company Sky Bet has taken the unusual step of paying out winnings to customers who backed Morocco as champions—despite having already settled bets in favor of Senegal earlier. The move, largely seen as symbolic and promotional, makes Sky Bet one of the few operators to acknowledge both outcomes at different times.
Most other bookmakers have opted to wait for a final legal resolution, with many still officially recognizing Senegal as the tournament winners. Some betting firms have also cited terms and conditions that prevent payouts from being altered after results are settled beyond a specified timeframe.
The controversy stems from a protest during the final, when Senegal players temporarily left the pitch following a penalty award to Morocco. Play resumed after around 15 minutes, but the incident ultimately became central to the appeal ruling that changed the outcome.
Beyond the sporting and betting implications, tensions have also risen politically, with Senegalese authorities calling for further investigation into the decision-making process within CAF. The ongoing dispute has kept the 2025 AFCON firmly in the spotlight, with the final verdict still unresolved.
