diff --git a/net/mac802154/scan.c b/net/mac802154/scan.c
index 0a31ac8d8415..300d4584533e 100644
--- a/net/mac802154/scan.c
+++ b/net/mac802154/scan.c
@@ -594,6 +594,7 @@ int mac802154_perform_association(struct ieee802154_sub_if_data *sdata,
 			 "Negative ASSOC RESP received from %8phC: %s\n", &ceaddr,
 			 local->assoc_status == IEEE802154_PAN_AT_CAPACITY ?
 			 "PAN at capacity" : "access denied");
+		goto clear_assoc;
 	}
 
 	ret = 0;