• The Confederation of African Football Appeal Board has officially overturned the AFCON 2025 final result, awarding the title to Morocco
• Morocco were granted a 3–0 victory by forfeiture after CAF ruled that Senegal breached competition regulations during the final
• The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football strongly rejected the ruling, describing it as “unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable”
• Senegal confirmed it will challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland

The Confederation of African Football 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 by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football.

The decision, announced on Tuesday, March 17, overturns an earlier ruling by CAF’s Disciplinary Board and dramatically rewrites the outcome of the tournament final, which had initially seen Senegal emerge 1–0 winners after extra time in Rabat.

According to the Appeal Board, “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 ruling was made under Article 84 of the AFCON regulations, with the board also stating that “the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football, through the conduct of its team, infringed Article 82 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations,” while confirming that “the appeal lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football is declared admissible in form and the appeal is upheld.”

Disciplinary adjustments and sanctions

The Appeal Board also reviewed several disciplinary cases linked to the chaotic final.

Moroccan player Ismaël Saibari was found guilty of misconduct under Articles 82 and 83(1) of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

However, his punishment was reduced, with the board ruling that “the sanction imposed on Mr Ismaël Saibari is amended to a suspension of two official CAF matches, of which one match is suspended,” while scrapping an earlier $100,000 fine.

CAF also reduced fines imposed on the Moroccan federation over incidents involving ball boys and the use of laser pointers.

The fine for the ball boys incident was cut to $50,000, while the laser-related sanction was reduced to $10,000.

However, a separate $100,000 fine for interference around the VAR review area was upheld.

Match controversy and turning point

The final, played in Rabat, was marred by controversy, including protests from Senegal’s players and technical crew after a late refereeing decision.

Tensions escalated further when Senegal players briefly walked off the pitch following a disallowed goal and a penalty awarded to Morocco.

CAF ruled that this action constituted misconduct and justified the forfeiture under its regulations.

Morocco responds

Reacting to the decision, the Moroccan federation maintained that its appeal was rooted in upholding the rules rather than disputing sporting merit.

“The Federation reiterates that its approach has always been grounded in respect for the rules and stability of African competitions,” the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football said.

The body also praised all participating nations and described the tournament as a milestone for African football, adding that a more detailed position would be released after internal consultations.

Senegal rejects verdict, heads to CAS

On the other hand, the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football has strongly rejected the ruling, calling it damaging to the integrity of African football.

“The Senegalese Football Federation denounces an unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable decision that discredits African football,” the federation said in a statement.

It confirmed plans to challenge the verdict at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland.

“To defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the Federation will initiate, as soon as possible, an appeal procedure before the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” the statement added.

The federation also argued that the Appeal Board overturned the earlier disciplinary decision on procedural grounds, stating that the Moroccan federation’s “right to be heard had not been respected during the initial proceedings.”

The ruling has triggered widespread debate across African football, raising concerns about governance, regulatory consistency, and transparency within CAF competitions.