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Rabat – French sports lawyer Patrick Rode has defended the legality of the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) ruling that crowned Morocco champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking on South African radio station Omny FM’s “The National Pulse,” Rode argued that the decision was not a matter of interpretation but a strict application of the competition’s regulations.
Rode recalled that the heart of the controversy is Senegal national team’s decision, during the dying minutes of their tense AFCON final against Morocco, to leave the pitch for 16 minutes in protest after the referee awarded the hosts a late penalty.
He explained that once a team abandons the field without the referee’s permission, CAF’s rules are clear. Article 82 of the AFCON regulations defines such conduct as a match abandonment, while Article 84 sets the sanction as a defeat by forfeit.
“This is not about opinion,” Rode said. “It is a binding rule. If the disciplinary body confirms that a team left the pitch, the consequence is automatic.”
Ambiguity over the referee’s role
One of the most debated aspects is the referee’s decision to allow the match to continue after Senegal returned.
Rode admitted this created confusion, noting that the referee had the authority to end the game immediately but chose not to.
CAF later prioritized the written regulations over the in‑game management, leading to Morocco being declared champions despite Senegal’s 1‑0 win on the night.
Rode insisted CAF’s ruling was legally sound, even if unpopular. “From a strictly legal perspective, it is coherent,” he argued.
He further acknowledged criticism over the delay in announcing the decision but maintained that the outcome was inevitable once Senegal’s walkout was confirmed.
Wider implications
The lawyer also pointed out that Senegal’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is legitimate but faces long odds.
Historically, only about 30 to 35 percent of CAF disciplinary decisions are overturned at CAS.
The ruling has sparked debate across Africa, with questions raised about fairness and the handling of the final. Rode stressed that Senegal must respect CAF’s decision until CAS delivers a verdict. “They can appeal, but in the meantime they must comply with the ruling,” he said.
The controversy has overshadowed Morocco’s celebrations, with Senegal initially keeping the trophy despite CAF’s ruling. Rode stressed that the legal process must be respected, regardless of public sentiment.
CAF’s Appeals Commission issued its decision on March 17, following a complaint by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.
Read also: CAS Sets May 7 Deadline for Morocco to Respond to Senegal’s AFCON Final Appeal
