In an unprecedented move that has sent shockwaves through African football, Morocco has been declared the winner of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a landmark ruling by the CAF Appeal Board.
The decision effectively strips Senegal of their continental crown, overturning their on-pitch victory and awarding the Moroccan side a 3-0 win by forfeiture.
This ruling comes after a dramatic and highly contentious final marred by a mid-match protest and disciplinary breaches.
While Senegal initially celebrated a 1-0 win in extra time, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has now ruled that their conduct during the match violated the fundamental regulations of the tournament.
The controversy traces back to a flashpoint in the closing stages of normal time. When the referee awarded Morocco a late penalty, the Senegalese players walked off the pitch in protest, causing a delay of more than 10 minutes.
Though they eventually returned to the field, the damage was done. In a twist of irony, Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed the subsequent spot-kick after an audacious ‘Panenka’ attempt failed to find the net.
Senegal then went on to score through Gueye in extra time, seemingly securing the trophy.
However, the Federation Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) lodged a formal appeal, arguing that the walk-off constituted a refusal to play under tournament rules.
Upholding the appeal under Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations, the CAF Appeal Board set aside a previous Disciplinary Board decision.
“The Senegal team is declared to have forfeited the match, with the result recorded as 3-0 in favour of the FRMF,” the CAF statement confirmed.
By walking off the pitch for an extended period, the Federation Senegalaise de Football (FSF) was found to have breached the competition’s strict code of conduct.
Under international football statutes, such a walk-off is typically treated as an automatic forfeiture.
The Appeal Board also addressed several other incidents from the heated final in Rabat.
Morocco international Ismael Saibari saw his misconduct sanction reduced to a two-match suspension, with one match suspended, while a $100,000 fine was completely scrapped.
Meanwhile, Morocco’s federation was held responsible for the actions of ball boys during the match, though their fine was halved to $50,000.
While a $100,000 fine for interference around the VAR review area was upheld, a separate sanction relating to the use of lasers by fans was reduced to $10,000.
All other appeals and requests from both parties were dismissed by the board.
This ruling marks one of the most significant disciplinary interventions in the history of the sport.
By stripping a champion of their title post-tournament, CAF has sent a clear message regarding the “walk-off” tactic often seen in high-stakes matches.
While Morocco celebrates a historic—if unconventional—victory, the decision is expected to spark intense debate across the wider footballing world.
For now, the record books will show Morocco as the 2025 champions, bringing a clinical, legal end to a final that was anything but orderly.
