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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board has officially ruled in favour of Morocco, awarding them a 3-0 victory over Senegal in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following a successful protest.
The decision marks a dramatic reversal of an earlier verdict by CAF’s Disciplinary Board and brings closure to a controversy that has lingered since the conclusion of the tournament. The appeal was filed by Morocco’s football governing body, the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), citing breaches of regulations during the final match.
In its findings, the Appeal Board concluded that Senegal violated key provisions of the AFCON regulatory framework, specifically Articles 82 and 84. These violations were deemed serious enough to warrant a forfeiture of the match, effectively stripping Senegal of the result and handing Morocco a default 3-0 win.
CAF further clarified that the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) was held accountable for the actions of its team during the encounter. By breaching Article 82, the Senegalese federation was found to have compromised the integrity of the game, thereby validating Morocco’s complaint and confirming the North African side as champions of the tournament.
Beyond the ruling on the match itself, the Appeal Board also reviewed a number of disciplinary cases linked to the final. Moroccan midfielder Ismaël Saibari, who had earlier been sanctioned for misconduct, received a reduced punishment. His suspension was adjusted to two matches, with one of those matches suspended, and a previously imposed fine of $100,000 was completely withdrawn.
The board also examined incidents involving Morocco off the pitch. The Moroccan federation was held responsible for the behaviour of ball boys during the match, though the associated fine was reduced to $50,000. Another sanction, relating to interference around the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) area, was upheld, with Morocco required to pay a $100,000 fine.
Additionally, a separate penalty connected to the use of laser devices during the game was reconsidered and reduced to $10,000. These adjustments reflect what CAF described as a balanced review of the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
All other appeals and motions submitted in relation to the final were dismissed, bringing an end to the legal and disciplinary processes tied to the match. The ruling effectively closes a chapter on what has been widely regarded as one of the most disputed finals in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The controversy had cast a shadow over the tournament’s conclusion, with debates surrounding officiating, player conduct, and overall match management dominating discussions in the aftermath. CAF’s final decision is seen as a firm stance on enforcing its rules and maintaining discipline in high-profile competitions.
By upholding Morocco’s protest, CAF has reinforced the importance of adherence to its regulations, particularly in matches of significant magnitude such as a continental final. The verdict also underscores the governing body’s willingness to revisit decisions where substantial evidence of misconduct is presented.
With the matter now settled, Morocco’s status as AFCON 2025 champions has been officially confirmed, bringing clarity after months of uncertainty and legal deliberations.
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