World football law-makers have moved swiftly to restore order and discipline in the game following the chaotic scenes that marred the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal earlier this year.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) on Tuesday approved a rule change aimed at preventing a repeat of the dramatic protest that overshadowed one of African football’s biggest occasions.

In that final, Senegal’s players stunned spectators by walking off the pitch in protest after a potentially decisive penalty was awarded to hosts Morocco. Although they later returned to complete the match and scored in extra time to secure a 1-0 victory, the controversy did not end on the field.

Following Morocco’s formal complaint, the Confederation of African Football Appeal Board reviewed the incident and ultimately ruled in favour of the hosts, stripping Senegal of the title and awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory — a decision that further underlined the seriousness of the disruption.

Reacting to the incident, IFAB has now empowered referees with stronger disciplinary measures. Under the new rule, any player who leaves the field of play in protest at a referee’s decision can be shown a red card at the referee’s discretion. The sanction also extends to team officials found to have incited such actions.

Crucially, the updated regulation makes it clear that any team responsible for causing a match to be abandoned will, in principle, forfeit the game — a direct response to the risk posed by organised walk-offs.

The decision reinforces football’s long-standing commitment to respecting match officials while protecting the integrity of competitions. It also sends a clear message that high-stakes matches, such as continental finals, must not be derailed by acts of protest that compromise fair play.

For Morocco, the ruling adds another layer to a year of significant football milestones, coming amid the country’s rising influence in the global game.

For the sport as a whole, IFAB’s intervention signals a firm stance: the authority of the referee remains central, and the game must always be decided on the pitch — not abandoned in protest.

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A high-level meeting involving the Confederation of African Football (CAF), sports ministers, football administrators and local organising officials from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda has reaffirmed a united commitment to successfully deliver the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The strategic “PAMOJA” AFCON 2027 kick-off meeting, held in Kampala on April 23, brought together key stakeholders from the three host nations to review progress and align plans for the continental tournament.

CAF Acting General Secretary Samson Adamu praised the host countries for the strides made so far, while reiterating CAF’s full backing for the joint bid. He stressed the need for strong coordination, disciplined execution and a unified regional approach to ensure a successful tournament.

The three nations also expressed appreciation to CAF President Patrice Motsepe for his continued support, technical guidance and confidence in the historic tri-nation hosting arrangement.

A central part of the meeting was a comprehensive review of preparations, with particular attention to infrastructure, security, hospitality, media readiness and governance.

Officials outlined ongoing work across the three countries, including the construction and upgrading of stadiums, training facilities, transport systems, airports and accommodation. The ministers reaffirmed their governments’ commitment to meeting CAF standards, with August 2026 set as a key milestone for assessing readiness.

Beyond infrastructure, the hosts pledged to position East Africa as a premier destination for football fans. Plans are underway to ensure high standards in hotel services, healthcare, transport efficiency and security, while showcasing the region’s hospitality.

The tournament is also being framed as a catalyst for tourism growth, trade expansion and broader economic development across the region.

The meeting agreed on a coordinated governance structure for the Local Organising Committees, designed to ensure efficiency and accountability. The framework will include CAF representatives, government ministers, football federation presidents and LOC chairpersons.

To ease movement during the tournament, the three countries are working toward a unified “PAMOJA Visa” system. The initiative aims to simplify travel for fans, teams, officials and media through visa exemptions, expedited processes and harmonised immigration procedures.

The ministers also committed to regular high-level and technical meetings, backed by structured progress reporting, to track implementation and address emerging challenges.

Signed by Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, Uganda’s Minister Peter Ogwang, and Tanzania’s Minister Paul Makonda, the communiqué underscored a shared determination to deliver a “successful, memorable and transformational” tournament.

Under the banner of PAMOJA—Swahili for “together”—Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda aim to stage a historic edition of AFCON that symbolises African unity, regional cooperation and the power of football to drive development.

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Three Senegalese supporters have been released from a Moroccan prison after serving three-month sentences for their involvement in the violence that marred the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat.

An AFP journalist reported that the trio were freed on Saturday from Al Arjat 2 prison, located northeast of Rabat. They were transported in a gendarmerie vehicle to a police station near Salé, where formalities for their release were completed.

The supporters were later received by officials of the Senegalese embassy, with one of them expressing gratitude in Moroccan dialect, saying, “Dima Maroc, dima Maghrib” (long live Morocco), as they emerged smiling from custody.

However, the case is far from over for other fans involved in the incident. Fifteen additional Senegalese supporters remain in detention, serving sentences ranging from six months to one year. Their convictions were upheld on appeal earlier this week.

The group had been prosecuted on charges of hooliganism, including acts of violence—particularly against law enforcement—damage to stadium property, pitch invasion, and throwing of projectiles during the ill-tempered final held on January 18.

A French national of Algerian origin, also implicated in the disturbances for throwing a water bottle, was similarly released after completing a three-month sentence.

The chaos stemmed from a controversial climax to the AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco in Rabat. The referee awarded a late penalty to Morocco shortly after disallowing a Senegalese goal, triggering protests from Senegal’s players and outrage among their supporters.

The situation escalated when some Senegalese fans attempted to invade the pitch and hurled objects, forcing a temporary halt to proceedings. Order was eventually restored, and the match resumed, with Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missing the decisive penalty.

Senegal went on to secure a 1-0 victory in extra time through Pape Gueye, seemingly clinching the continental title on the pitch.

However, the controversy extended beyond the final whistle. On March 17, the Confederation of African Football awarded the 2025 AFCON title to Morocco by forfeit, citing the disturbances and subsequent disciplinary considerations.

Senegal has since challenged the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, setting the stage for a prolonged legal battle over the tournament’s outcome.

The release of the three supporters marks a significant development in the aftermath of one of the most contentious finals in recent African football history, even as tensions over the disputed title continue to reverberate across the continent.

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