The (CAF) Appeal Board has awarded the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 title to after ruling that forfeited the final match under Article 84 of the tournament regulations.
In a decision announced on Wednesday, CAF stated that Senegal’s conduct fell within the scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations, leading to the match being recorded as a 3–0 victory in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).
Appeal Upheld, Earlier Decision Overturned
The Appeal Board declared Morocco’s protest admissible and upheld the appeal, setting aside the earlier ruling by the CAF Disciplinary Board.
CAF concluded that the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), through the actions of its team, breached Article 82. As a result, the final was officially forfeited, handing Morocco the continental crown by default.
“In application of Article 84… the Senegal team is declared to have forfeited the match, with the result recorded as 3–0 in favour of the FRMF,” the ruling stated.
Saibari Sanction Reduced, Multiple Fines Adjusted
The Appeal Board also reviewed several disciplinary matters arising from the match.
Morocco midfielder was found guilty of misconduct under the CAF Disciplinary Code, but his punishment was reduced to a two-match suspension, with one match suspended. A previously imposed USD 100,000 fine was scrapped.
CAF further ruled on incidents involving ball boys, laser use, and interference around the VAR review area:
- Morocco held responsible for ball boys’ conduct; fine reduced to USD 50,000
- VAR review interference fine of USD 100,000 upheld
- Laser incident fine reduced to USD 10,000
All other motions were dismissed.
Senegal Condemns “Unprecedented” Decision
Senegal reacted angrily, branding the ruling unfair and damaging to African football’s credibility.
In a strongly worded statement, the FSF said the decision was “unacceptable” and vowed to challenge it before the (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland.
“The Senegalese Football Federation denounces an unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable decision that brings disrepute to African football,” the statement read.
The federation added that it would pursue all legal avenues to defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football.
