The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Appeal Board has ruled that Senegal forfeited the final match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, awarding a 3–0 victory to Morocco.
In a decision announced on Wednesday, the Appeal Board held that Senegal’s conduct during the final fell within the scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations, thereby warranting forfeiture of the match.
The ruling followed an appeal lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), challenging an earlier decision by the CAF Disciplinary Board.
According to the Appeal Board, the Moroccan federation’s appeal was admissible and upheld, leading to the overturning of the initial disciplinary ruling. The Board further determined that the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), through the actions of its team, breached Article 82 of the competition’s regulations.
“As a consequence, and in application of Article 84, the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the match, with the result recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football,” the statement read.
All other motions related to the case were dismissed.
Sanctions, Fines, and Partial Appeals
The Appeal Board also issued a series of rulings on related disciplinary matters involving Morocco.
Morocco international Ismaël Saibari was found guilty of misconduct in violation of Articles 82 and 83(1) of the CAF Disciplinary Code. However, his initial sanction was reduced to a two-match suspension, with one match suspended, while a previously imposed $100,000 fine was set aside.
In addition, CAF held the Moroccan federation responsible for the conduct of ball boys during the final, although the associated fine was reduced to $50,000.
A separate $100,000 fine imposed on Morocco for interference around the OFR/VAR review area was upheld in full, with the Appeal Board dismissing that aspect of the appeal.
The Board also partially upheld an appeal concerning a laser incident, reducing the fine imposed on Morocco to $10,000.
All remaining appeals and requests for relief were dismissed.
The decision brings finality to one of the most controversial conclusions in recent AFCON history, officially confirming Morocco as winners of the 2025 tournament.