AFCON 2025 Final Overturned: CAF Declares Morocco Winners After Senegal Forfeiture

Morocco have been officially crowned champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board ruled that Senegal forfeited the final, awarding a 3-0 victory to Morocco.

The decision reverses an earlier ruling by CAF’s Disciplinary Board and follows a formal appeal by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) concerning incidents during the match.

According to CAF, Senegal’s conduct fell within violations of Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations, warranting forfeiture. The Appeal Board further ruled that the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) breached Article 82 through the actions of its team, thereby validating Morocco’s complaint and confirming them as winners.

In addition, Moroccan player Ismaël Saibari was sanctioned for misconduct, though his punishment was reduced to a two-match suspension (one suspended), and a $100,000 fine was withdrawn.

CAF also issued rulings on incidents involving Morocco. The federation was found responsible for ball boys’ behaviour, with the fine reduced to $50,000. A $100,000 fine related to interference near the VAR review area was upheld, while a sanction concerning a laser incident was lowered to $10,000.

All remaining motions were dismissed, marking the end of proceedings in one of AFCON’s most disputed finals.

The decision concludes a lengthy controversy that had clouded the tournament’s result and highlights CAF’s commitment to enforcing its regulations in major competitions.

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