Months after Senegal lifted the AFCON trophy in Morocco, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has dramatically overturned the result. The CAF Appeal Board declared Senegal guilty of misconduct, ruling that the final match was forfeited and awarding Morocco a 3–0 victory.
The ruling stems from Morocco’s appeal, which challenged Senegal’s conduct during the decisive clash. CAF found Senegal’s actions violated Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations, leading to the unprecedented reversal.
The earlier disciplinary board decision was set aside, and Morocco’s protest was upheld.
This decision means Morocco, who lost on the pitch, are now officially recognized as AFCON 2025 champions. Senegal, despite their celebrations and parade months earlier, have been stripped of the title in one of the most controversial rulings in African football history.
The Appeal Board also addressed disciplinary matters involving Morocco’s Ismaël Saibari. While Saibari was found guilty of misconduct under Articles 82 and 83, his suspension was reduced to two CAF matches, with one suspended. A USD 100,000 fine imposed on him was completely set aside.
Morocco’s federation was not spared from sanctions. CAF fined the FRMF USD 50,000 for ball boy misconduct during the final. An additional USD 100,000 fine was confirmed for interference around the VAR review area, while a USD 10,000 fine was imposed for the laser incident, reduced from a higher penalty.
Despite these financial penalties, Morocco’s victory stands as historic. The ruling has sparked heated debate across Africa, with fans questioning the fairness of deciding championships off the pitch. Critics argue that football should be settled on the field, not in boardrooms.
For Morocco, however, the decision secures a long-awaited continental triumph. Their players, officials, and supporters now celebrate a trophy that eluded them during the final whistle. Senegal, meanwhile, confronts the bitter reality of losing a title months after celebrating it.
As for Senegal, the country’s football federation has denoucned the ‘unfair’ ruling and vowed to appeal CAF’s decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland.
This reversal will remain one of AFCON’s most dramatic chapters, a reminder of how regulations can reshape football history. The 2025 edition will be remembered not for the goals scored, but for the courtroom drama that crowned Morocco champions.
