RABAT, MOROCCO – In a dramatic turn of events, Morocco has been officially awarded the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title for 2025 by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Board.
The ruling, announced on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, overturns Senegal’s 1-0 extra-time victory in a chaotic final held in January, declaring a 3-0 default win for the host nation, Morocco.
The decision stems from an appeal lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) following the contentious final match against Senegal.
The CAF Appeals Board ruled that the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the final match in application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
The January 18, 2026, final, played in Rabat, was marred by controversy and chaotic scenes. Senegal had initially secured a 1-0 victory in extra time. However, the match was characterized by significant disruptions, including Senegal players walking off the field in protest of a contentious penalty decision awarded to Morocco late in the game.
This walk-off, which delayed the conclusion of the final by approximately 14 minutes, was a central point of contention in Morocco’s appeal.
The CAF Appeals Board’s decision explicitly stated that the conduct of the Senegal team infringed Article 82 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, leading to the forfeiture. Consequently, the result of the match has been officially recorded as 3-0 in favor of Morocco.
In addition to overturning the match result, the CAF Appeals Board also addressed other aspects of the original disciplinary board’s findings. Fines imposed on both teams were reviewed, with some being upheld, reduced, or set aside.
For instance, a fine of USD 100,000 imposed on Morocco for interference around the OFR/VAR review area was confirmed, while a fine related to a laser incident was reduced to USD 10,000. A fine against Moroccan player Ismaël Saibari was set aside, and his sanction amended to a two-match suspension, with one match suspended.
This unprecedented decision has sent shockwaves through African football, raising questions about player conduct, refereeing decisions, and the enforcement of regulations in high-stakes tournaments.
Morocco, as the host nation, now claims the AFCON 2025 title under circumstances that are sure to be debated for years to come.
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