The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board, in a dramatic twist, has ruled that the Senegal national football team forfeited the final of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, awarding a 3–0 victory to Morocco.
Following a detailed review, the Appeal Board upheld Morocco’s protest and overturned the earlier decision by the CAF Disciplinary Board.
As the verdict unfolded, CAF confirmed that Senegal’s conduct breached key tournament regulations, ultimately leading to the forfeiture.
“The appeal lodged by the Federation Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) is declared admissible in form and the appeal is upheld.
“The CAF Disciplinary Board decision is set aside.
“It is declared that the Federation Senegalaise de Football (FSF), through the conduct of its team, infringed Article 82 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations.
“In application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, the Senegal team is declared to have forfeited the match, with the result recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Federation Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).”
As a result, Morocco are officially recognised as winners of the AFCON 2025 final, marking a significant and controversial conclusion to the tournament.
Meanwhile, the ruling also addressed several disciplinary matters involving Moroccan player Ismael Saibari and matchday incidents.
The Appeal Board confirmed misconduct but reduced the severity of the sanctions.
“The CAF Appeal Board confirms the finding that Mr Ismael Saibari committed misconduct in violation of Articles 82 and 83(1) of the CAF Disciplinary Code.”
The sanction imposed on Mr Ismael Saibari is amended to a suspension of two (2) official CAF matches, of which one (1) match is suspended.
In addition, financial penalties linked to various incidents were partially adjusted.
The fine for the ball boys incident involving the FRMF was reduced, while sanctions relating to interference near the VAR review area were upheld.
“The CAF Appeal Board confirms the finding that the Federation Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) is responsible for the conduct of the ball boys during the aforementioned match.
“The fine imposed on the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) in respect of the ball boys incident is reduced to USD 50,000.
“The fine of USD 100,000 imposed on the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) in respect of the interference around the OFR/VAR review area is confirmed.”
Furthermore, the board partially upheld the appeal regarding the laser incident, reducing the associated fine, while dismissing other motions.
As the dust settles, this landmark ruling reshapes the narrative of AFCON 2025, with regulatory enforcement taking centre stage.
The decision not only crowns Morocco but also reinforces CAF’s stance on discipline and compliance at the highest level of African football.
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