Former England captain Wayne Rooney has strongly criticised the Confederation of African Football following its controversial decision to overturn the result of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, describing the decision as outrageous, and insisting Senegal were the rightful winners on the pitch.

CAF’s Appeals Board on March 17, 2026, ruled to award the title to Morocco with a 3–0 forfeit victory, months after Senegal had secured a 1–0 win after extra time in the final played in Rabat on January 18.

The decision was based on a 17-minute walk-off by Senegalese players protesting a late penalty, which CAF deemed a breach of competition regulations.

Reacting to the development, Rooney questioned the legitimacy of overturning a completed match result through administrative action.

“It’s crazy. If I was a Morocco player, I wouldn’t accept it,” Rooney stated.

The former England national football team captain argued that outcomes should be determined on the field, not revised after the fact. He pointed out that despite the protest, play resumed, the penalty was missed, and Senegal went on to score the winning goal during open play.

Meanwhile, the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) has rejected CAF’s ruling, describing it as “unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable.”

The federation has confirmed plans to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Senegal’s football authorities maintain that since the referee allowed the match to continue to its conclusion, the original result should remain valid.

The case is now expected to move to CAS, setting the stage for a high-stakes legal battle that could further shape how disputes in international football are handled.