BREAKING: Senegal stripped of AFCON trophy, Morocco declared winner

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Appeal Board has ruled in favour of Morocco, upholding the protest that led to Senegal forfeiting the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The match has now been officially awarded 3-0 to Morocco

The verdict overturns an earlier decision by the CAF Disciplinary Board and follows an appeal filed by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) over incidents that occurred during the final.

CAF stated that Senegal’s actions during the game violated Articles 82 and 84 of AFCON regulations, resulting in the forfeiture. The Appeal Board also found that the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) breached Article 82 through the conduct of its team, thereby validating Morocco’s protest and confirming them as champions.

In a related decision, Moroccan midfielder Ismaël Saibari was sanctioned for misconduct. His punishment was reduced to a two-match ban, with one match suspended, while a previously issued $100,000 fine was scrapped.

CAF also ruled on incidents involving Morocco off the pitch. The federation was held accountable for the actions of ball boys, with the fine reduced to $50,000. A separate $100,000 penalty for interference around the VAR review area remains in place, while a sanction linked to a laser incident was lowered to $10,000.

All other appeals were dismissed, bringing an end to the dispute surrounding one of the most controversial finals in Africa Cup of Nations history and reaffirming CAF’s stance on enforcing competition rules in crucial matches.

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