Morocco crowned AFCON champions after CAF rules Senegal forfeited final

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has awarded Morocco a 3–0 victory over Senegal in the AFCON 2025 final, ruling that the Senegalese team forfeited the match following a controversial end to the game.

In a decision announced by the CAF Appeal Board, the governing body said the ruling was made under Article 84 of its regulations, which covers match forfeiture. The verdict overturns the earlier outcome on the pitch, where Senegal had been declared winners after a tense encounter.

“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,” CAF said in its statement.

The controversy stems from events late in the final, when a penalty decision against Senegal triggered protests from players and officials. The situation escalated as Senegal’s players walked off the pitch, causing a lengthy disruption to the match.

Following a protest by Morocco’s football federation, CAF reviewed the incident and found that Senegal’s actions breached Article 82, which relates to misconduct. The Appeal Board ruled that the team’s behaviour fell within the scope of both Articles 82 and 84, leading to the forfeiture decision.

The ruling also set aside an earlier decision by CAF’s Disciplinary Board, fully upholding Morocco’s appeal and officially awarding them the title.

Beyond the match result, CAF reviewed several disciplinary issues linked to the final. Moroccan midfielder Ismaël Saibari was found guilty of misconduct, but his punishment was reduced to a two-match suspension, with one match suspended, and his $100,000 fine cancelled.

CAF also fined Morocco over incidents involving ball boys, interference around the VAR review area, and the use of lasers, though some of the penalties were reduced on appeal.

The decision brings a dramatic and controversial end to the tournament, with the final outcome decided off the pitch. While it marks a major setback for Senegal, Morocco now emerge as champions after a ruling that highlights CAF’s strict enforcement of its regulations at the highest level of African football.