The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has expressed strong confidence in its preparedness to host a successful Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), despite ongoing controversy surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.
The reassurance follows a disputed decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which awarded Morocco the AFCON 2025 title after overturning Senegal’s on-field victory.
Senegal had initially secured a 1-0 win over Morocco after extra time in the final played on January 18. However, the match result was later nullified after the Senegalese team staged a 17-minute walk-off in protest against a stoppage-time penalty awarded to the host nation.
CAF’s Appeals Committee, citing Article 82 of its regulations, ruled that any team that leaves the pitch without the referee’s consent automatically forfeits the match. Consequently, the game was awarded 3-0 in favour of Morocco, handing the North Africans their first AFCON title in 50 years.
Senegal has since rejected the ruling and confirmed plans to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
In a statement released on Wednesday, the FRMF clarified that its position was not based on disputing the final’s sporting outcome but on upholding the rules, integrity, and fairness of the competition.
“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 statement read.
“The FRMF has complied with the proper procedures governing dispute resolution, including submitting its arguments and participating in the hearings to which it was invited.
“This decision helps clarify the framework applicable to similar situations in the future and strengthens the consistency and credibility of international competitions, particularly in African football.
“The FRMF will continue to advocate for the fair application of competition rules with continental and international bodies. It now shifts focus to upcoming tournaments, notably the FIFA World Cup and the Women’s AFCON this summer.
“The Federation also commends all nations that participated in this edition of AFCON.”
Meanwhile, CAF has rescheduled the 2026 WAFCON, initially set for March 17 to April 3, citing unforeseen circumstances.
The tournament will now take place from July 25 to August 16, 2026, with Morocco retaining its hosting rights.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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