Rooney Condemns CAF Ruling, Says Senegal Deserved AFCON 2025 Victory
Story: written by Myra March 20,2026
Former England captain Wayne Rooney has criticised the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after it overturned Senegal’s 1–0 win in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, awarding the title to Morocco instead.
CAF’s Appeal Board ruled that Senegal’s Teranga Lions violated Articles 82 and 84 by leaving the field in protest of a stoppage-time penalty. As a result, the match was officially recorded as a 3–0 forfeit in favour of Morocco.
Rooney slammed the decision, insisting Senegal had earned the win on merit. “It’s unbelievable. If I were a Moroccan player, I wouldn’t accept this. Senegal beat them fair and square,” he said.
The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) has announced its intention to appeal the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
