Breaking News: CAF awards Morocco 2025 AFCON title

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board has officially awarded the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 to Morocco following a ruling that Senegal forfeited the match.

In a landmark decision delivered by CAF’s Appeal Board, the Senegal national team was deemed to have forfeited the AFCON final under Article 84 of the competition’s regulations. As a result, the match has been recorded as a 3–0 victory in favour of Morocco, represented by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).

Appeal ruling overturns disciplinary decision

The decision follows an appeal lodged by the Moroccan Football Federation challenging the initial ruling of CAF’s Disciplinary Board.

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According to the Appeal Board:

• The appeal by Morocco was admissible and upheld

• The earlier decision by the Disciplinary Board was set aside.

• Senegal’s conduct was found to violate Articles 82 and 84 of AFCON regulations.

• Morocco’s protest was validated.

CAF further ruled that the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), through the actions of its team, breached Article 82 — leading directly to the forfeiture sanction.

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Sanctions extend beyond match results.

Beyond the forfeiture decision, the Appeal Board also addressed multiple disciplinary matters arising from the final.

Ismaël Saibari's sanction reduced

Morocco midfielder Ismaël Saibari was found guilty of misconduct under Articles 82 and 83(1) of the CAF Disciplinary Code. However:

• His suspension was reduced to two CAF matches, with one suspended.

• A previously imposed $100,000 fine was cancelled.

Fines imposed on Morocco FA

The Moroccan FA was also sanctioned for several incidents during the match:

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• Ball boys incident: Responsibility confirmed; fine reduced to $50,000.

• VAR interference: Appeal dismissed; $100,000 fine upheld

• Laser incident: Fine reduced to $10,000

All other appeals and requests for relief were dismissed.

Historic and controversial outcome

The ruling effectively hands Morocco the AFCON 2025 title under extraordinary circumstances, marking one of the most controversial administrative decisions in the tournament’s history.

CAF’s reliance on Articles 82 and 84 underscores its strict stance on disciplinary breaches, particularly in high-stakes fixtures such as a continental final.

What this means

• Morocco are officially recorded as AFCON 2025 champions.

• Senegal lost the final via forfeiture rather than on-field result

• CAF reinforces regulatory authority over match conduct and discipline.