In a statement released on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, CAF confirmed that the Senegal National Team has been declared to have forfeited the final match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025. As a result, the game has been recorded as a 3–0 victory in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).
Appeal Overturned, Morocco Declared Winners
The decision follows an appeal lodged by the Moroccan FA, challenging an earlier ruling by the CAF Disciplinary Board. The Appeal Board ruled in favour of Morocco, setting aside the initial decision and confirming that Senegal’s conduct breached Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations.
CAF stated that Senegal, through the actions of its team, infringed competition rules—ultimately leading to the forfeiture sanction. This ruling effectively hands Morocco the AFCON 2025 crown in one of the most controversial endings in tournament history.
Full CAF Appeal Board Rulings
On the appeal by the Moroccan FA, the CAF Appeal Board made the following decisions:
The appeal lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football is declared admissible in form and is upheld.
The CAF Disciplinary Board decision is set aside.
The CAF Appeal Board finds that the conduct of the Senegal team falls within the scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations.
The protest lodged by the Moroccan FA is upheld.
It is declared that the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), through the conduct of its team, infringed Article 82 of the AFCON Regulations.
In application of Article 84, the Senegal team is declared to have forfeited the match, with the result recorded as 3–0 in favour of Morocco.
All other motions or prayers for relief are dismissed.
Sanctions and Additional Decisions
The Appeal Board also issued rulings on individual and related incidents:
Ismaël Saibari’s appeal is partially upheld.
The Board confirms he committed misconduct in violation of Articles 82 and 83(1) of the CAF Disciplinary Code.
His sanction is amended to a two-match suspension, with one match suspended.
The $100,000 fine imposed on him is set aside.
The appeal regarding the ball boys incident is partially upheld.
The Moroccan FA is found responsible for the conduct of the ball boys.
The fine related to this incident is reduced to $50,000.
The appeal concerning interference around the OFR/VAR review area is dismissed.
The $100,000 fine for this incident is upheld.
The appeal regarding the laser incident is partially upheld.
The fine for this offence is reduced to $10,000.
All other motions or prayers for relief are dismissed.
A Controversial AFCON Finale
This unprecedented decision has sparked widespread debate across the football world, as fans and analysts react to the rare scenario of a major continental final being decided off the pitch.
For Morocco, however, the ruling confirms their status as champions of Africa, while Senegal faces scrutiny and disappointment after losing the title through disciplinary measures rather than play.
Cedanews will continue to monitor reactions from both camps and CAF as the story develops.
