CAF hands Morocco 2025 AFCON title after appeal ruling
In a dramatic post-tournament twist, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially awarded Morocco a 3–0 victory over Senegal in the final of the TotalEnergies AFCON 2025, following a decisive ruling by its Appeal Board.
The verdict comes after an appeal lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), challenging earlier decisions tied to the highly contentious final. Upon review, CAF’s Appeal Board found that Senegal’s conduct during the match breached key provisions of the competition’s regulations.
Citing Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations, the board ruled that Senegal forfeited the final, effectively overturning the initial disciplinary decision and handing Morocco the win.
“The appeal is upheld,” the board stated, confirming that the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), through the actions of its team, violated the rules governing the competition. As a result, the match has been officially recorded as a 3–0 victory in favour of the host nation.
While Morocco emerged as the ultimate beneficiary of the ruling, the Appeal Board also addressed several disciplinary matters involving the North African side.
Morocco international Ismaël Saibari was found guilty of misconduct, with his punishment revised to a two-match suspension, one of which is suspended while a previously imposed $100,000 fine was scrapped.
The board also held the Moroccan federation accountable for multiple incidents during the final. A fine related to the conduct of ball boys was reduced to $50,000, while another sanction concerning the use of laser devices was lowered to $10,000. However, a separate $100,000 fine tied to interference around the VAR review area was upheld.
All other appeals and requests for relief were dismissed.
The ruling brings closure to one of the most controversial finals in AFCON history, with Morocco now officially recognised as champions albeit under extraordinary circumstances that will be debated long after the final whistle.
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