Confederation of African Football (CAF) has awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title to Morocco after its Appeal Board ruled that Senegal forfeited the final following a successful protest.
The decision, announced on Tuesday, overturns an earlier ruling by CAF’s disciplinary body after an appeal by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF). The board found that Senegal breached competition regulations during the final.
In its ruling, the Appeal Board stated:
“The Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, with the result of the Match being recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football.”
The board said the decision was taken under Article 84 of the tournament regulations, setting aside the earlier decision and upholding Morocco’s protest.
On Senegal’s conduct, the panel ruled:
“The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football, through the conduct of its team, infringed Article 82 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations,” adding that the Moroccan federation’s appeal “is declared admissible in form and the appeal is upheld.”
The ruling also addressed several disciplinary issues arising from the controversial final.
Moroccan midfielder Ismaël Saibari was found guilty of misconduct under Articles 82 and 83(1) of the CAF Disciplinary Code.
However, his sanction was reduced to a two-match suspension, with one match suspended, while the previously imposed $100,000 fine was set aside.
CAF also reviewed sanctions involving match incidents. The fine imposed on the FRMF over ball boys’ conduct was reduced to $50,000, while a separate fine for a laser incident was cut to $10,000.
However, the board upheld a $100,000 fine relating to interference around the VAR review area, dismissing Morocco’s appeal on that matter.
The decision brings a dramatic end to one of the most contentious finals in AFCON history. Senegal had initially been declared champions after defeating hosts Morocco 1–0 in Rabat, with the match settled in extra time following a tense encounter.
The final was marred by protests from Senegal’s players and officials over a late refereeing decision, as well as confrontations involving players, technical crews and match officials in the closing stages.
CAF’s disciplinary board had earlier sanctioned both the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football and the FRMF, issuing fines and suspensions while allowing the match result to stand.
However, Tuesday’s appeal ruling overturned that position, awarding the title to Morocco by forfeiture—an extraordinary conclusion to the 2025 tournament.
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