Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially 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), with the board finding 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.”
Morocco players celebrate after being awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title by CAF
CAF said the decision was taken under Article 84 of the tournament regulations, setting aside the earlier verdict 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 Appeal Board also reviewed a series of disciplinary issues stemming 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 earlier $100,000 fine was set aside.
CAF further adjusted 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 ruling brings a dramatic conclusion to one of the most contentious finals in AFCON history. Senegal had initially been declared champions after defeating hosts Morocco 1–0 in Rabat following extra time in a tense and controversial encounter.
The match was overshadowed by protests from Senegal’s players and officials over a late refereeing decision, alongside confrontations involving players, technical crews and match officials in the closing stages.
CAF’s disciplinary body 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 reversed that position, awarding the title to Morocco by forfeiture—an extraordinary end to the 2025 tournament.
