Cairo, Egypt | The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board has awarded Morocco a 3–0 victory over Senegal in the final of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 after ruling that Senegal forfeited the match.
In a decision issued on appeal by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), the CAF Appeal Board overturned an earlier ruling by the CAF Disciplinary Board and found that Senegal’s conduct during the final fell within the scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations.
The board upheld Morocco’s protest and determined that the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), through the actions of its team, breached Article 82.
Consequently, under Article 84, Senegal was declared to have forfeited the match, with the result recorded as 3–0 in favour of Morocco.
In related rulings, the Appeal Board partially upheld an appeal concerning Morocco player Ismaël Saibari, confirming misconduct but reducing his punishment to a two-match suspension, one of which is suspended.
A previously imposed fine of $100,000 was set aside.
The board also reviewed several incidents linked to Morocco’s conduct during the match. It held the FRMF responsible for the behaviour of ball boys, reducing the associated fine to $50,000.
A fine of $100,000 for interference around the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review area was upheld.
Additionally, a fine related to the use of lasers during the match was reduced to $10,000.
All other appeals and requests were dismissed.
The ruling effectively confirms Morocco as champions of AFCON 2025, bringing an unusual end to the tournament’s final.
