Rooney CAF AFCON Senegal Morocco verdict criticism as Wayne Rooney slams CAF decision awarding Morocco title after overturning Senegal win

Former England captain Wayne Rooney on Thursday, March 20, 2026, criticised the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Manchester, England, over its controversial ruling in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco, in remarks that have intensified debate surrounding the Rooney CAF AFCON Senegal Morocco verdict.

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Rooney reacted after CAF’s Appeal Board overturned Senegal’s 1–0 victory and awarded the title to Morocco following a disciplinary decision linked to Senegal’s walk-off during a disputed stoppage-time incident.

According to the ruling, Senegal’s action was deemed a breach of competition regulations, resulting in the match being recorded as a 3–0 forfeit in favour of Morocco.

The decision has triggered widespread backlash across the football community, with Rooney joining a growing list of high-profile voices questioning the legitimacy of the outcome.

“It’s crazy. If I were a Moroccan player, I wouldn’t accept it. Senegal beat them fair and square,” Rooney said.

“The Senegal team beat them fairly.”

The former Manchester United striker insisted that football matches should be decided on the pitch rather than through post-match administrative rulings, arguing that such decisions undermine the integrity of the sport.

Meanwhile, the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) has confirmed that it will challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), escalating the dispute into a formal legal battle.

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The controversy continues to generate global debate, with supporters, analysts and former players divided over CAF’s interpretation of disciplinary rules and match abandonment procedures.