Gavin Hunt slams CAF's delayed ruling awarding Morocco 2025 AFCON title

The 2025 AFCON final, played two months ago in Morocco, ended in dramatic fashion. Senegal had scored in injury time, only for the goal to be disallowed after a VAR review.

Morocco were subsequently awarded a penalty late in stoppage time, prompting Senegal to walk off the pitch in protest before the penalty was taken.

After approximately 15 minutes, Senegal returned to the field to complete the match. Morocco's Brahim Diaz, the Real Madrid star, missed the penalty, sending the game into extra time.

Four minutes into extra time, Senegal's midfielder Pape Gueye struck the decisive goal, seemingly securing Senegal's victory and the trophy.

However, Morocco appealed the result, arguing that Senegal's walk-off constituted grounds for disqualification. This week, CAF's Appeal Board ruled in favour of Morocco, declaring Senegal had "forfeited" the final and awarding a 3-0 victory, officially crowning Morocco as the 2025 AFCON champions.

Hunt expressed frustration over the delayed ruling, suggesting the matter should have been settled immediately after the match.

"It should've been sorted out on the day of the final," Hunt told reporters after the game.

"Once you leave the field, you can't leave the field, once you leave the field, the rules are clear but to do it now, geez!"

The decision has sparked widespread debate among football fans, pundits, and former players, with many questioning the timing and fairness of the appeal ruling.

Hunt, while acknowledging the rules, believes the controversy should have been handled in real time rather than months later, leaving Senegal's victory overshadowed by administrative action rather than sporting merit.