The Confederation of African Football has officially awarded Morocco the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title after its Appeal Board ruled that Senegal forfeited the final, overturning an earlier disciplinary decision and closing one of the tournament’s most bitter disputes.
CAF said Morocco’s protest was upheld after finding that Senegal’s conduct during the final breached Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations. The ruling means the match is now recorded as a 3-0 victory for Morocco, officially handing the hosts the continental crown.
The Appeal Board also reviewed sanctions stemming from the chaotic final. Moroccan midfielder Ismaël Saibari was found guilty of misconduct, but his punishment was reduced to a two-match suspension, with one match suspended, while his earlier $100,000 fine was scrapped.
Morocco’s federation was still sanctioned for incidents involving ball boys and misconduct around the VAR review area, though some fines were reduced. A separate punishment linked to laser use by fans was also cut.
With all other motions dismissed, CAF said the case is now closed, ending prolonged uncertainty over one of the most controversial AFCON finals in recent memory.
