Does Morocco control CAF? Senegal football president makes explosive claim

Abdoulaye Fall launches stunning accusation following Rabat chaos

Does Morocco control CAF? Senegal football president makes explosive claim

Senegal football president Abdoulaye Fall accused Morocco of controlling CAF after the tense AFCON 2025 final in Rabat.

Senegal Football Federation president Abdoulaye Fall has made serious accusations against Morocco claiming the host nation holds major influence inside the Confederation of African Football CAF.

Speaking in comments reported by RMC Sport and shared in video published on Senegalese platform Seneweb, Fall said Morocco “controls everything” within African football and suggested that many countries are afraid to oppose them.

Fall claimed Senegal were one of the only nations willing to challenge Morocco’s position adding that Moroccan officials are well placed in the corridors of power at CAF.

Complaints over referee and match preparation

Fall also raised concerns about the officiating process before the AFCON 2025 final.

He said Senegal were informed about the match referee only late on the eve of the final limiting any possibility of raising objections.

The Senegal official also pointed to issues surrounding the team’s arrival in Rabat including complaints about hotel conditions and access to training facilities.

Fall explained that Senegal refused to train at the Mohammed VI Football Complex saying it was being used as Morocco’s main base.

He argued that training there would have left Senegal “fully exposed” ahead of the final.

Final marked by controversy and walk off protest

The AFCON 2025 final between Senegal & Morocco was one of the most dramatic in recent tournament history.

Senegal won 1-0 lifting their second Cup of Nations title in four years.

The match descended into chaos late in normal time when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala disallowed Senegal goal and then awarded Morocco stoppage time penalty after VAR review for foul on Brahim Diaz.

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players off the pitch in protest causing delay of around 15 minute before the team returned.

Diaz missed the penalty and Senegal went on to score the winner through Pape Gueye early in extra time.

Investigations & Legal threats follow

After the final, CAF announced it would open inquiry into the incidents linked to the protest.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino also condemned the scenes and said world football’s governing body expected full report.

Morocco’s football federation responded strongly announcing plans to take legal action to ensure CAF rules on Senegal’s conduct.

Moroccan officials said the disruption affected the normal flow of the match & player performance.

CAF later released statement condemning “unacceptable behaviour” from some players and officials and confirmed the matter would be referred to disciplinary bodies.

Both teams headed to World Cup 2026

Despite the tension both Morocco & Senegal have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Morocco have been drawn in Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland and Haiti while Senegal will compete in Group I with France, Norway and intercontinental play-off winner.