In a dramatic post-tournament twist, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Appeal Board has ruled that Senegal forfeited the final of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, handing a 3–0 victory—and effectively the title—to Morocco.
The decision, announced Tuesday, March 17, 2026, overturns an earlier ruling by the CAF Disciplinary Board and follows an appeal lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).
Appeal Upheld, Senegal Sanctioned
According to the Appeal Board, Senegal’s conduct during the final fell within violations of Articles 82 and 84 of AFCON regulations. As a result, the Senegalese team was deemed to have forfeited the match, with the official result recorded as a 3–0 win for Morocco.
The Board declared the Moroccan federation’s protest valid and confirmed that the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) breached competition rules through the actions of its team.
Player Sanctions and Fines Adjusted
The ruling also addressed several disciplinary matters stemming from the final. Moroccan midfielder Ismaël Saibari was found guilty of misconduct under CAF’s disciplinary code.
However, his punishment was reduced to a two-match suspension, with one match suspended, and a previously imposed $100,000 fine was scrapped.
CAF further ruled on a series of incidents involving Morocco:
The federation was held responsible for misconduct involving ball boys, though the fine was reduced to $50,000.
A $100,000 fine related to interference near the VAR review area was upheld.
A separate fine for a laser incident was reduced to $10,000.
All other appeals and motions were dismissed.
The decision marks one of the most significant rulings in recent African football history, effectively altering the outcome of a continental final after the fact.
While Morocco now stands as the official winner of AFCON 2025, the ruling is likely to spark debate across the football community regarding discipline, governance, and the integrity of tournament proceedings.
CAF has not indicated whether any further appeals are possible.
