Morocco Crowned AFCON 2025 Champions After CAF Ruling
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The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Appeal Board has ruled that Senegal forfeited the final of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, handing a 3-0 victory to the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).
In its decision, the Appeal Board stated:
“The Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match… with the result of the Match being recorded as 3-0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).”
The ruling overturns an earlier decision by the CAF Disciplinary Board, following an appeal lodged by Morocco’s football federation.
The Appeal Board confirmed that Morocco’s protest met all requirements and ruled in their favour.
“The appeal lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) is declared admissible in form and the appeal is upheld.”
It further stated:
“The CAF Disciplinary Board decision is set aside.”
CAF found that the conduct of the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) team breached tournament regulations.
“The CAF Appeal Board further finds that the conduct of the Senegal team falls within the scope of Articles 82 and 84… It is declared that the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF)… infringed Article 82.”
Senegal Found in Breach of AFCON Regulations
The decision centered on violations of Articles 82 and 84 of AFCON regulations, which relate to misconduct and forfeiture of matches.
“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 the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).”
All other motions and requests were dismissed.
Also Read: Hakimi Banned, Senegal Coach Suspended as CAF Delivers Verdict on AFCON Final
Saibari Sanction Reduced, Fine Scrapped
The Appeal Board also reviewed sanctions involving Moroccan player Ismaël Saibari.
While upholding misconduct findings, CAF reduced his punishment:
“The sanction… is amended to a suspension of two (2) official CAF matches, of which one (1) match is suspended.”
Additionally:
“The fine of USD 100,000… is set aside.”
Also Read: Is this fair? Madowo Questions Fines Imposed on Senegal & Morocco
Morocco Fined Over Ball Boys, VAR and Laser Incidents
CAF also ruled on several incidents involving Morocco during the match.
On ball boys:
“The CAF Appeal Board confirms… the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) is responsible for the conduct of the ball boys.”
The fine was reduced:
“The fine… is reduced to USD 50,000.”
On VAR interference:
“The appeal… is dismissed.”
“The fine of USD 100,000… is confirmed.”
On the laser incident:
“The fine… is reduced to USD 10,000.”
Final Outcome
The ruling officially crowns Morocco as the winners of the AFCON 2025 final by default, marking a dramatic and controversial end to the tournament.
CAF concluded:
“All other motions or prayers for relief are dismissed.”
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Image shows CAF trophy that was won by Senegal
PHOTO/Getty Images
