The Appeal Jury of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has ruled that Senegal forfeited the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, awarding a 3–0 victory to Morocco.
The decision, delivered in line with Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations, overturns an earlier ruling by the CAF Disciplinary Jury and hands the title to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) following a successful appeal.
In its verdict, the Appeal Jury stated: “The appeal lodged by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation is declared admissible in form and well-founded.”
It added, “The decision of the CAF Disciplinary Jury is annulled,” noting that “the conduct of the Senegal team falls within the scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations.”
CAF further ruled that the protest submitted by Morocco was justified, establishing that the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), “through the conduct of its team, violated Article 82 of the AFCON Regulations.”
“In application of Article 84 of the Regulations, the Senegal team is declared to have forfeited the match, and the result is recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation,” the statement read.
All other claims relating to the main appeal were dismissed.
Saibari Sanction Reduced
The Appeal Jury also ruled on a separate appeal involving Moroccan player Ismaël Saibari, confirming that he committed misconduct in breach of Articles 82 and 83(1) of the CAF Disciplinary Code.
However, the panel reduced his punishment, stating: “The sanction imposed on Mr. Ismaël Saibari is revised to a two-match suspension in official CAF competitions, with one match suspended.”
CAF added that “the fine of USD 100,000 imposed on Mr. Ismaël Saibari is cancelled.”
Mixed Rulings on Match Incidents
On other incidents surrounding the match, the Appeal Jury issued a series of mixed decisions.
Regarding the conduct of ball boys, CAF held the Moroccan federation accountable but reduced the financial penalty.
“The Appeal Jury confirms the responsibility of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation regarding the behaviour of the ball boys,” it stated, adding that “the fine imposed… is reduced to USD 50,000.”
However, the Jury upheld sanctions relating to interference around the VAR review area.
“The appeal concerning interference around the OFR/VAR review area is rejected,” CAF ruled. “The USD 100,000 fine imposed on FRMF for this incident is confirmed.”
On the laser incident, the Appeal Jury offered partial relief to Morocco, noting that “the fine imposed… is reduced to USD 10,000.”
CAF concluded by stating that “all other requests are rejected.”
The ruling effectively settles the dispute surrounding the AFCON 2025 final, confirming Morocco as champions following a dramatic post-match legal process.
