In a dramatic turn of events, the appeals committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has delivered its verdict regarding the disputes surrounding the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco. Senegal have been ruled to have lost by forfeit, granting the host nation an administrative victory and the title.
The appeals committee, convened to rule on the appeal submitted by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), overturned the previous decision of the Disciplinary Committee.
Citing articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations, the authorities determined that the conduct of the Senegal national team warranted a severe penalty.
As a direct consequence, Senegal have been declared to have forfeited the final. Thus, the official score will be recorded as 3-0 in favour of Morocco.
"The Appeals Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has decided, in accordance with Article 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Regulations, to declare the Senegal national team as forfeiting the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 ('the Match'), with the result officially recorded as 3-0 in favor of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF)," the statement reads.
On January 18, during the AFCON final in Rabat, Senegal had won 1-0 after a chaotic match. Following a penalty awarded to Morocco in stoppage time of the second half, just after a Senegal goal was disallowed, several Senegalese players temporarily left the pitch before returning, while Senegalese supporters attempted to invade the field and threw objects onto the pitch.
After Moroccan winger Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, both teams played extra time, where Senegal secured victory thanks to a goal from Pape Gueye.
Morocco’s federation responds
The Moroccan federation immediately issued a press release to journalists.
The federation "acknowledges the decision made by the CAF Appeals Commission" whilst emphasising that "its approach was never intended to challenge the sporting achievements of the teams involved in this competition, but solely to request the application of the competition regulations".
"The Federation reaffirms its commitment to respecting the rules, ensuring clarity in the competitive framework, and maintaining the stability of African competitions. It also wishes to salute all the nations that participated in this edition of the AFCON, which was a significant moment for African football," the FRMF added, noting that it will make a statement this Wednesday after convening its officials.
