FIFA Hands Morocco Points Boost, Now 8th Best in the World After AFCON Verdict
- Morocco has received a significant boost in the FIFA World Rankings following the controversial AFCON ruling by the Confederation of African Football
- The update comes after CAF stripped Senegal of the 2025 AFCON title and awarded it to the hosts, a decision that has sparked widespread debate
- Meanwhile, reports indicate that Senegal has approached the Court of Arbitration for Sport in a bid to reclaim the crown they originally won on the pitch
FIFA has moved swiftly to reflect the CAF’s controversial ruling on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), handing Morocco a significant boost in the world rankings.
The update follows CAF’s decision to strip Senegal of the AFCON title and award it to the host nation, two months after the Teranga Lions celebrated victory in Rabat.
Source: Getty Images
FIFA takes major decision about Morocco
At the heart of the dispute is a post-match complaint from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), which triggered a review of the final after Pape Gueye’s decisive extra-time goal.
CAF’s Appeal Board ruled in favour of the host nation, citing Senegal’s 17-minute walk-off in protest of a late penalty as a forfeiture.
In its statement, the board said the Teranga Lions had been 'declared to have forfeited the final match' with the 'result of the match being recorded as 3-0 in favour' of Morocco.
Source: Getty Images
That verdict effectively overturned Senegal’s 1-0 win on January 18 and handed the title to the Atlas Lions.
FIFA has now followed up by adjusting its rankings.
Morocco gained 18.02 points and climbed to eighth in the world with 1754.59 points, making them the highest-ranked team in Africa.
They now sit just 1.68 points behind the Netherlands in seventh place.
The updated FIFA rankings have been widely shared on X.
Reactions to Morocco climbing latest FIFA rankings
Senegal, on the other hand, saw no addition to their previous tally and remain 14th globally with 1684.85 points, now second on the continent.
Following FIFA’s ranking update, fans took to social media to share their reactions to Morocco rising in the rankings after the AFCON saga.
@Sibu_Excel wrote:
"FIFA will reverse those points after CAS verdict."
@thabanisandile3 alleged:
"This shows how choreographed that AFCON was, it’s just a joke."
@dust__fc added with a dig at Senegal:
"More tears soon."
Senegal prepares CAS appeal over AFCON decision
Despite the developments, Senegal is pressing ahead with plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Speaking to RTS, as cited by Africa Soccer, football official Moussa Mbaye confirmed the next step in the process.
“We will submit the appeal to the court today, Tuesday [March 24], and we will begin the necessary procedures,” Mbaye explained.
He also added that the Senegalese Football Federation is building its case, gathering documents and shaping its arguments ahead of the March 27 deadline.
Attention now turns to Lausanne, Switzerland, where CAS will decide the outcome of a dispute that continues to divide opinion across African football and beyond.
CAF provides update on Senegal-Morocco verdict
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Morocco had been reaffirmed as African champions despite growing backlash.
In its update, CAF listed the Atlas Lions as AFCON 2025 winners, Senegal as runners-up, and Nigeria as third place.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
