The (CAF) has officially handed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title to Morroco , overturning its victory after ruling that the West Africans forfeited the final.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, CAF said its Appeal Board reached the decision in line with tournament regulations, effectively reversing the outcome of the controversial final played in Rabat.
“The CAF Appeal Board decided that in application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match… with the result recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF),” the statement read.
CAF said the ruling followed a protest lodged by Morocco’s football authorities, which was upheld after determining that Senegal breached Article 82 of the competition rules through the conduct of their team.
“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), through the conduct of its team, infringed Article 82,” the body added.
The decision nullifies Senegal’s 1–0 extra-time win secured via ’s decisive goal in what had been a tense and chaotic encounter at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The final descended into disorder late in regulation time after a VAR-awarded penalty to Morocco triggered protests from Senegal’s players and officials, many of whom briefly walked off the pitch.
The disruption caused a prolonged delay, sparked unrest among fans, and drew widespread criticism across the football world.
Reacting at the time, condemned the incident, describing the actions as unacceptable.
“It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner… violence cannot be tolerated in our sport; it is simply not right,” Infantino said, stressing the need for respect for match officials and the Laws of the Game.
Beyond the title decision, CAF also reviewed disciplinary issues arising from the final. Moroccan midfielder Ismaël Saibari had his punishment reduced to a two-match suspension, with one match suspended, while a previously imposed $100,000 fine was scrapped.
CAF, however, sanctioned Morocco’s federation over incidents involving ball boys and interference around the VAR review area, although some penalties were reduced on appeal.
The ruling brings a dramatic end to one of the most contentious finals in AFCON history, handing Morocco their second continental title—and first since 1976—on home soil, while Senegal are stripped of what would have been their second crown after their 2021 triumph.
