The Confederation of African Football has officially awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title to Morocco after its Appeal Board ruled that Senegal forfeited the final match.
In a decision announced on Tuesday, CAF overturned an earlier ruling by its disciplinary body, siding with the appeal filed by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).
According to the Appeal Board, Senegal breached competition regulations, leading to the forfeiture of the final, with the result recorded as a 3–0 victory in favour of Morocco under Article 84 of the AFCON regulations.
“The Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the final match… with the result recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football,” CAF stated.
The board also ruled that Senegal’s conduct during the match violated Article 82 of the competition rules, thereby validating Morocco’s protest.
The controversial decision reverses the earlier outcome in which Senegal had been declared winners after a 1–0 victory over Morocco in the final played in Rabat.
The match itself was marred by tension and controversy, including protests by Senegalese players following a late refereeing decision, which led to a temporary walk-off and chaotic scenes involving players and officials.
Beyond the title decision, the Appeal Board also reviewed several disciplinary issues arising from the final.
Moroccan player Ismaël Saibari was found guilty of misconduct, with his suspension reduced to two matches—one of which is suspended—while a previously imposed $100,000 fine was отменed.
CAF also reduced sanctions against the Moroccan federation over incidents involving ball boys and laser interference, lowering fines to $50,000 and $10,000 respectively.
However, a $100,000 fine related to interference around the VAR review area was upheld.
The decision marks one of the most dramatic conclusions in AFCON history, as Morocco claim the continental title not on the pitch but through a legal ruling.
The development has sparked widespread debate across African football, raising questions about officiating, discipline, and the integrity of tournament regulations.
