In a dramatic administrative development, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Appeal Board has awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title to Morocco national football team following a ruling that Senegal national football team forfeited the final.
The decision, announced on Tuesday, officially records the highly contested final as a 3–0 victory in favour of Morocco. The ruling followed a successful appeal lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football.
CAF’s Appeal Board overturned an earlier verdict by its Disciplinary Board, concluding that Senegal’s conduct during the final violated Articles 82 and 84 of AFCON regulations. Consequently, the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football was found culpable, leading to the forfeiture decision that handed Morocco the continental title.
The verdict brings a controversial end to one of the most debated finals in recent AFCON history, shifting attention from on-field action to administrative rulings. While Morocco ultimately emerged as champions, the Appeal Board also identified breaches on their part.
Moroccan midfielder Ismaël Saibari was sanctioned for misconduct and handed a two-match suspension, with one match suspended. However, a previously imposed $100,000 fine on the player was overturned.
Further sanctions were issued against Morocco’s football federation over matchday incidents. The federation was held accountable for the conduct of ball boys, resulting in a reduced fine of $50,000. A separate $100,000 fine for interference around the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review area was upheld, while another fine related to laser use was reduced to $10,000.
Despite these penalties, Morocco clinched the AFCON title under extraordinary circumstances, while Senegal faces the repercussions of a final they officially lost without full completion on the pitch.
The ruling is expected to spark widespread debate across African football, raising concerns about discipline, match management, and the increasing impact of regulatory decisions on the continent’s premier football competition.
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