A Spanish media outlet has come out in support of Morocco’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, arguing that the decision to award the 2025 trophy to the Atlas Lions was justified under the rules of the game.
In an opinion piece published by SPORT, journalist Albert Masnou defended the outcome of the controversial 2025 AFCON Final, which continues to generate debate months after it was played in Rabat.
‘Rules are rule’
“Rules are rules. Football must respect them,” the article states, emphasizing that Senegal’s temporary withdrawal from the pitch was decisive.
Senegal players left the field in protest after a late penalty decision, with some returning only after intervention from staff and senior players, including Sadio Mané, the article recalled.
CAF’s appeal body later ruled that this action constituted a forfeit under its disciplinary regulations, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory despite Senegal winning 1-0 on the pitch.
SPORT mentions official match reports as base to the decision. Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala noted a “temporary interruption” in the 97th minute, adding that Senegal players returned to the dressing room “on the instruction of their head coach.”
Match coordinator Khaled Lemkecher described “very intense protests” and confirmed that players “abandoned the match” before being called back to finish it.
Based on those reports, the outlet argues, CAF’s decision was correct.
“A team cannot leave the field. If it does, it loses,” the article states, calling the CAF ruling unusual but justified.
The piece concludes that Morocco “deserves the title” and urges all parties to move on, with the case still pending before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
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