CAF awards AFCON 2025 title Morocco after Senegal forfeits final, overturning earlier result in dramatic appeal ruling
The Confederation of African Football on Tuesday awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title to Morocco after its appeal board ruled that Senegal forfeited the tournament’s final following a successful protest by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football.
Also read: Federal Court adjourns Ogun Governor qualification suit
The decision overturned an earlier ruling and declared Morocco winners by a 3–0 scoreline, citing breaches of competition regulations by the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football.
In its official statement, the appeal board said the Senegal national team was deemed to have forfeited the final under Article 84 of the tournament regulations.
The board added that Senegal’s conduct during the match infringed Article 82, while upholding Morocco’s appeal as admissible and justified.
The ruling marks a dramatic reversal of the initial outcome, which had seen Senegal crowned champions after a 1–0 victory over hosts Morocco in Rabat.
That match, decided in extra time, was overshadowed by heated protests, controversial officiating decisions, and confrontations involving players and officials in the closing stages.
CAF awards AFCON 2025 title Morocco following a detailed review of the incidents, which triggered disciplinary proceedings against both federations.
The appeal board also addressed several related sanctions, including a revised punishment for Moroccan player Ismaël Saibari, whose suspension was reduced to two CAF matches, with one suspended, while a previously imposed $100,000 fine was cancelled.
Fines against Morocco’s federation over incidents involving ball boys and laser use were reduced, though a $100,000 penalty for interference near the VAR review area was upheld.
CAF awards AFCON 2025 title Morocco in one of the most extraordinary conclusions in the history of the competition, as the host nation was crowned champions by administrative ruling rather than on the pitch.
The original final had been marred by tension, with Senegal’s players and technical crew protesting a late refereeing decision that influenced the outcome.
Following the game, CAF’s disciplinary board had initially maintained the result while issuing fines and suspensions to both sides.
Tuesday’s appeal verdict, however, set aside that position, underscoring the decisive impact of Morocco’s protest and reshaping the tournament’s final outcome.
Also read: CAF postpones WAFCON 2026 to july
Observers described the ruling as both historic and contentious, raising fresh debate about officiating standards and disciplinary processes in African football.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
