CAF Awards AFCON 2025 Title to Morocco After Senegal Forfeiture
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title to Morocco following a dramatic ruling that found Senegal guilty of forfeiting the final.
In a decision released by CAF’s Appeal Board, the continental body upheld a protest filed by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), overturning an earlier verdict by the Disciplinary Board and declaring Morocco 3-0 winners of the final.
Appeal ruling overturns initial decision
CAF stated that Senegal’s conduct during the match breached Articles 82 and 84 of AFCON regulations, leading to the forfeiture. The ruling also found the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) responsible for violations linked to team behaviour, ultimately validating Morocco’s claim to the title.
The verdict brings closure to a prolonged dispute that had left the outcome of the tournament in doubt.
Mixed sanctions for both sides
While Morocco emerged as champions, CAF also issued sanctions related to misconduct during the final.
Moroccan midfielder Ismaël Saibari was found guilty of misconduct, but his punishment was reduced to a two-match suspension, with one match suspended. A previously imposed $100,000 fine was also scrapped.
CAF further held Morocco accountable for off-field incidents, including the conduct of ball boys, reducing the associated fine to $50,000. However, a $100,000 penalty for interference around the VAR review area was upheld, while a separate fine related to a laser incident was reduced to $10,000.
End to one of AFCON’s most controversial finals
All other appeals and motions were dismissed, marking the end of what has been described as one of the most contentious finals in AFCON history.
The ruling reinforces CAF’s stance on strict adherence to competition regulations, particularly in high-stakes matches, while confirming Morocco as the official champions of AFCON 2025.
