CAF Overturns AFCON 2025 Final, Awards Morocco 3–0 Victory Over Senegal

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By Sedara Philip

In a stunning and unprecedented decision, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board has overturned the result of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, stripping Senegal of their title and awarding Morocco a 3–0 victory.

The ruling, delivered under Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations, came after CAF upheld an appeal submitted by the Federation Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF). This decision nullifies the earlier verdict issued by CAF’s Disciplinary Board.

The controversy stems from dramatic incidents during the final match. Senegal players temporarily abandoned the pitch for over 10 minutes in protest after Morocco were awarded a late penalty. Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed the ensuing spot-kick, attempting a panenka. Despite the disruption, Senegal returned to the field and eventually secured a 1–0 victory in extra time, with Gueye scoring the decisive goal.

However, CAF ruled that Senegal’s walk-off constituted a serious violation of competition rules. The Federation Senegalaise de Football (FSF) was found guilty of breaching Article 82, which led to the application of Article 84—resulting in the forfeiture of the match.

In an official statement, CAF confirmed:

“The appeal lodged by the Federation Royale Marocaine de Football is upheld. The Senegal team is declared to have forfeited the match, with the result recorded as 3–0 in favour of Morocco.”

The decision effectively hands Morocco the AFCON 2025 title in what is now regarded as one of the most controversial rulings in the tournament’s history.

The Appeal Board also addressed several disciplinary matters arising from the final. Morocco’s Ismael Saibari was found guilty of misconduct, but his punishment was reduced to a two-match suspension, with one match suspended. Additionally, a previously imposed $100,000 fine against the player was revoked.

Morocco’s football federation was also held accountable for the actions of ball boys during the match, though the associated fine was reduced to $50,000. Meanwhile, a separate $100,000 fine for interference near the VAR review area was upheld, while a sanction related to a laser incident was reduced to $10,000.

This landmark ruling brings closure to a fiercely disputed final and establishes a significant precedent for disciplinary enforcement in African football.