The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Appeal Board has ruled in favour of Morocco, awarding them a 3-0 victory over Senegal in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a successful protest by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).
The decision overturns an earlier verdict by CAF’s Disciplinary Board and brings closure to a dispute that had cast uncertainty over the outcome of one of the most controversial finals in the tournament’s history.
In its ruling, CAF confirmed that Senegal’s conduct during the final breached Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations, leading to the forfeiture of the match. The Appeal Board further held that the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) was accountable for the actions of its team, thereby validating Morocco’s protest and formally declaring them champions.
The judgment also addressed disciplinary matters involving individuals and officials connected to the match. Moroccan midfielder Ismaël Saibari was found guilty of misconduct; however, his sanction was reduced to a two-match suspension, with one match suspended. Additionally, a previously imposed fine of $100,000 was rescinded.
CAF also ruled on several off-field incidents attributed to Morocco. The federation was held responsible for the actions of ball boys, resulting in a reduced fine of $50,000. A separate $100,000 fine for interference around the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review area was upheld, while a sanction related to the use of laser devices was reduced to $10,000.
All other applications and motions relating to the case were dismissed.
The ruling marks the end of a prolonged legal and disciplinary process and underscores CAF’s commitment to enforcing its regulations, particularly in high-stakes fixtures.
