By Our Correspondent
National News – Betting platforms across the United Kingdom and France have paid out wagers in favor of Morocco after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned Senegal’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.
The reversal follows a ruling by CAF’s Appeal Board, which found Senegal in breach of tournament regulations during the final held on January 18.
UK bookmaker Sky Bet confirmed Morocco as outright winners, while Betfair and Paddy Power also resettled bets, ensuring previous Senegal payouts remained intact as a goodwill gesture.
French operator Betclic highlighted Morocco’s win and Brahim Diaz’s missed penalty as key moments in their payout decision.
CAF’s decision declared Senegal to have forfeited the final by leaving the field without the referee’s authorization, in violation of Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations.
The ruling awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory. The controversy occurred in stoppage time when VAR awarded Morocco a penalty.
Senegal players left the field for roughly 15 minutes, leaving captain Sadio Mane on the pitch.
Diaz missed his penalty attempt with a Panenka, while Pape Gueye later scored in extra time, initially appearing to secure the trophy for Senegal.
Morocco appealed, and CAF ultimately upheld the appeal, reversing the scoreline two months after the match.
The Senegalese Football Federation has announced plans to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, while the government has called for an investigation into alleged CAF corruption.
The decision has triggered significant attention from football fans, analysts, and betting communities alike, reshaping the 2025 AFCON narrative.
Morocco’s players and supporters celebrated their retroactive title win, while discussions around governance and fair play in African football continue.
The ruling also underscores the importance of strict adherence to competition regulations and VAR protocols.
Betting platforms have used this outcome to emphasize transparency and fairness, providing bettors with timely settlements and clarity on pending wagers.
