Royal Moroccan Football Federation shifts focus to women's tournament after securing men's AFCON title via CAF Appeals Board ruling

Rabat, Morocco — The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (RMFF) is finally ready to put on a show.

After a contentious legal battle ended with Morocco being crowned 2025 AFCON champions by tribunal ruling, the North African football powerhouse announced Wednesday it is now "looking forward with confidence" to hosting the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The announcement follows Tuesday's bombshell verdict from the CAF Appeals Board, which overturned Senegal's 1-0 victory in the January 18 AFCON final played in Rabat. Citing Articles 82 and 84 of tournament regulations, the panel ruled that Senegal's walk-off in protest of a late penalty constituted a match forfeiture—effectively handing Morocco the title on paper.

"The federation did not challenge the sporting performance," the RMFF clarified in a statement, “but rather to demand respect for AFCON laws, integrity, and fairness.”

With the men's controversy now settled, attention pivots squarely to the women's game. The 2026 WAFCON was originally slated for March 17 to April 3 before CAF abruptly postponed it to July, citing "unforeseen circumstances." No further details on the delay were provided.

For Nigeria's Super Falcons, the stakes couldn't be higher. As record 10-time champions—and the very team that defeated Morocco in the last WAFCON final—they'll be hunting for redemption on Moroccan soil.

The message from Rabat is clear: The Atlas Lions are ready to host. And this time, the focus is strictly on the pitch.