Softfootball have gathered, whenever one door closes, another miraculous one may open, but for now, this remains firmly in the realm of conspiracy theory.
Following the chaotic scenes that marred the AFCON 2025 final between Senegal and host nation Morocco, unconfirmed reports and online narratives have emerged suggesting Senegal could face severe sanctions, including a possible ban from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The controversy stems from the dramatic 90+7 minute incident in the final, when Senegalese players and officials protested a late penalty awarded to Morocco and briefly threatened to abandon the match. Although Senegal eventually returned to the pitch, largely due to Sadio Mané’s intervention, the incident has continued to fuel debate.
According to the narrative circulating online, Senegal’s actions allegedly affected Morocco’s penalty taker, Brahim Díaz, who went on to miss the spot-kick after attempting a Panenka. Some Moroccan voices claim the pressure and disruption influenced the miss and argue that Senegal’s conduct should be sanctioned.
One of the most extreme claims suggests Senegal could be disqualified from World Cup participation as punishment. However, it is important to stress that, as of now, there is no official confirmation from CAF or FIFA supporting this claim.
If such an unlikely scenario were to happen, questions would arise about replacement. Senegal, as an African representative, would need to be replaced by another African nation. This is where Nigeria has been drawn into the speculation.
Nigeria finished runners-up in the African World Cup qualifiers and defeated by DR Congo in the final of the African playoff stage before DR Congo advanced to the intercontinental playoff. The theory suggests that if DR Congo qualifies through the intercontinental route and Senegal were removed, Nigeria could be next in line to take Senegal’s spot.
Still, this remains hypothetical. Senegal’s camp maintains that their actions during the final were driven by a protest against perceived injustice, specifically, a Senegal goal that was ruled out before the controversial penalty decision. From their perspective, they were standing up against unfair officiating, not attempting to sabotage the match.
At this stage, no disciplinary decision has been announced by FIFA, and Senegal remain AFCON 2025 champions. Until official rulings are made, talk of bans, replacements, or Nigeria benefiting from the situation remains speculation.
Ultimately, all eyes will be on FIFA and CAF to see whether any further action follows or whether the AFCON 2025 final chaos will remain a dramatic chapter without wider consequences.
