AFCON 2025 final overturned as CAF strips Senegal of title and awards Morocco 3-0 victory

2026-03-18 - 00:02

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board has overturned the result of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, declaring Senegal to have forfeited the match and awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory. In a landmark ruling issued under Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations, CAF upheld an appeal lodged by the Federation Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), setting aside the earlier decision of the Disciplinary Board. The decision stems from dramatic scenes during the final, when Senegal players walked off the pitch for more than 10 minutes after Morocco were awarded a late penalty. Morocco’s Brahim Diaz stepped up but missed the spot-kick after attempting a panenka. Senegal later returned to the field and went on to win the match 1-0 in extra time, with Gueye scoring the decisive goal. CAF, however, ruled that the conduct of the Senegal team constituted a breach of the competition’s regulations. As a result, the Federation Senegalaise de Football (FSF) was found to have infringed Article 82, leading to the forfeiture of the match under Article 84. “The appeal lodged by the Federation Royale Marocaine de Football is upheld,” the statement read. “The Senegal team is declared to have forfeited the match, with the result recorded as 3-0 in favour of the FRMF.” The ruling effectively strips Senegal of the AFCON title and awards the victory to Morocco in what is one of the most unprecedented decisions in the tournament’s history. The Appeal Board also issued additional rulings relating to incidents during the final. Morocco player Ismael Saibari was found guilty of misconduct in violation of CAF’s disciplinary code. His sanction was reduced to a two-match suspension, with one match suspended, while a previously imposed fine of $100,000 was set aside. CAF also held Morocco’s federation responsible for the conduct of ball boys during the match, reducing the associated fine to $50,000. However, a separate fine of $100,000 for interference around the VAR review area was upheld, while a sanction relating to a laser incident was reduced to $10,000. All other appeals and requests were dismissed. The ruling brings closure to a highly contentious final and sets a significant precedent for disciplinary enforcement in African football. Send your news stories to [email protected] and via WhatsApp on +233 546310076.