In a dramatic turn of events, Morocco has been declared the champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board. The decision, announced on March 17, 2026, comes after Senegal forfeited the final match, which was officially recorded as a 3-0 victory for Morocco.
The final match, held in Rabat, was marred by chaotic scenes as Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest during extra time. This unprecedented action led to an appeal by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), which ultimately resulted in the CAF Appeal Board upholding Morocco’s claim to the championship.
Key moments
The CAF Appeal Board stated, “The appeal lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) is declared admissible in form and the appeal is upheld.” Furthermore, the board found that the conduct of the Senegal team infringed upon the regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, specifically Articles 82 and 84. The ruling overturned an earlier decision made by the CAF Disciplinary Board.
In addition to the forfeiture, Ismaël Saibari of Morocco was found guilty of misconduct and received a two-match suspension. However, the fine originally imposed on him was set aside. The Moroccan federation faced sanctions for incidents involving ball boys and the VAR review area, with the penalties adjusted to a reduced fine of USD 50,000 for the ball boys incident and a confirmed fine of USD 100,000 for interference around the VAR review area. A separate fine for a laser incident was also reduced to USD 10,000.
The final match result of 3-0 in favor of Morocco has sparked discussions about the implications of player conduct and the enforcement of regulations in high-stakes matches. The chaotic scenes during the final have raised questions about the integrity of the tournament and the responsibilities of national federations in maintaining order.
Initial reactions from both federations have been mixed. The FRMF expressed satisfaction with the ruling, emphasizing the importance of fair play and adherence to regulations. In contrast, the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the ruling or the implications for their team.
As the football community processes the fallout from this controversial final, the focus will likely shift to the future of both teams in international competitions and the potential reforms needed within the CAF to prevent similar incidents from occurring. The incident has highlighted the need for clear guidelines and consequences for player behavior during critical matches.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further actions that may be taken by the Senegalese federation or the players involved in the protest. The aftermath of this ruling will undoubtedly influence the landscape of African football in the coming years, as teams and federations reassess their strategies and conduct in the face of high-pressure situations.
