Morocco have officially been crowned champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following a dramatic decision by the Confederation of African Football Appeals Board, which overturned Senegal’s victory in the tournament’s final.
The original match, played on January 18 in Rabat, had ended in a 1–0 extra-time win for Senegal national football team over Morocco national football team. However, the game was marred by controversy in its closing stages. During stoppage time, Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest after Morocco were awarded a late penalty. The situation escalated further as sections of the crowd attempted to invade the field, creating a tense and disorderly atmosphere that disrupted the conclusion of the match.
Following a review of the incidents, CAF launched an investigation into the events, focusing on breaches of competition regulations and match discipline. The Appeals Board ultimately ruled that Senegal’s decision to abandon the match constituted a violation of tournament rules. Under CAF regulations, any team that refuses to continue a match without just cause can be deemed to have forfeited the game.
As a result, Senegal’s 1–0 victory was annulled and replaced with a 3–0 default win in favour of Morocco. This administrative decision effectively handed the title to the host nation, marking a historic and highly unusual conclusion to Africa’s biggest football tournament.
CAF emphasized that the ruling was based on maintaining discipline, fairness, and respect for the integrity of the competition. The decision also serves as a strong warning that teams must adhere strictly to match regulations, regardless of the circumstances on the pitch.
For Morocco, the verdict represents a significant triumph, albeit one achieved off the field, while Senegal are left to reflect on a controversial end to what had appeared to be a hard-fought victory.
FULL CAF RULING:
The CAF Appeal Board decided that in application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 (“the Match”), with the result of the Match being recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).
The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) Appeal Board decided today that in application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 (“the Match”), with the result of the Match being recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).
On the appeal by the FRMF regarding the application of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the CAF Appeal Board made the following rulings:
– “The appeal lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) is declared admissible in form and the appeal is upheld.
– The CAF Disciplinary Board decision is set aside.
– The CAF Appeal Board further finds that the conduct of the Senegal team falls within the scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations.
– The protest lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) is upheld.
– It is declared that the Fédération Sénégalaise 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 Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).
– All other motions or prayers for relief are dismissed.”
The CAF Appeal Board also ruled that:
– “The appeal lodged in respect of Mr Ismaël Saibari (Player No. 11 of the Morocco National Team) is partially upheld.
– The CAF Appeal Board confirms the finding that Mr Ismaël Saibari (Player No. 11 of the Morocco National Team) committed misconduct in violation of Articles 82 and 83(1) of the CAF Disciplinary Code.
– The sanction imposed on Mr Ismaël Saibari (Player No. 11 of the Morocco National Team) is amended to a suspension of two (2) official CAF matches, of which one (1) match is suspended.
– The fine of USD 100,000 imposed on Mr Ismaël Saibari (Player No. 11 of the Morocco National Team) is set aside.
– The appeal lodged in respect of the ball boys incident is partially upheld.
– The CAF Appeal Board confirms the finding that the Fédération 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 appeal lodged in respect of the interference around the OFR/VAR review area is dismissed.
– 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.
– The appeal lodged in respect of the laser incident is partially upheld.
– The fine imposed on the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) in respect of the laser incident is reduced to USD 10,000.
– All other motions or prayers for relief are dismissed.”
