The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Appeal Board has ruled that Senegal forfeited the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, awarding a 3–0 victory to Morocco.

 

In its decision, the Appeal Board upheld an appeal filed by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), citing violations of Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations by the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF).

 

The ruling overturns an earlier decision by the CAF Disciplinary Board, declaring that the conduct of the Senegal national team fell within the scope of regulatory breaches warranting forfeiture of the match.

 

“As a result, 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,” CAF stated.

 

The decision effectively confirms Morocco as winners of the 2025 AFCON final under disciplinary provisions.

 

In addition to the forfeiture ruling, the Appeal Board addressed several related incidents from the match.

 

Morocco international Ismaël Saibari was found guilty of misconduct under Articles 82 and 83(1) of the CAF Disciplinary Code. However, his sanction was reduced to a two-match suspension, with one match suspended, while a previously imposed $100,000 fine was cancelled.

 

CAF also held the Moroccan federation responsible for misconduct involving ball boys during the match, reducing the fine in that case to $50,000.

 

The Appeal Board upheld a separate $100,000 fine against the FRMF for interference around the OFR/VAR review area, while a fine relating to a laser incident was reduced to $10,000.

 

All other appeals and requests for relief were dismissed.

 

The ruling marks a significant and controversial conclusion to the AFCON 2025 final, with CAF emphasizing its commitment to enforcing discipline and upholding the integrity of African football competitions.