AFCON 2025 final dispute back in focus as CAF appeals committee prepares key ruling

Fresh tensions surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final have resurfaced ahead of a crucial meeting by the Confederation of African Football, where several unresolved disciplinary matters are set to be reviewed.

The upcoming session of the CAF Appeals Committee is expected to carry significant weight, as multiple cases linked to both club and international competitions are placed under scrutiny. At the centre of discussions is the controversial final between Morocco and Senegal, which ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for Senegal.

Chaired by Nigerian Justice Rola Diabo, the committee is scheduled to sit on Tuesday to deliberate on appeals submitted by the parties involved. Among the most notable submissions is the case filed by the Moroccan Football Federation, which reportedly contains “strong legal arguments” challenging the sanctions imposed after the final.

According to reports, Moroccan authorities are pushing for a review of the penalties handed down in the aftermath of the match, as they seek either a reduction or a complete overturn of the decisions.

The original sanctions issued by CAF were extensive. The Senegalese Football Federation was fined close to $600,000, while head coach Pape Thiaw received a five-match suspension. Players Elman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were also sanctioned, alongside additional financial penalties tied to misconduct during the game.

On the Moroccan side, fines amounting to approximately $315,000 were imposed following technical infractions, including the unauthorised entry of staff into the Video Assistant Referee area. Star defender Achraf Hakimi was handed a two-match suspension, while Ismail Saïbari received a three-match ban in addition to a financial penalty.

With both federations seeking relief through the appeals process, the committee’s final decision is expected to have far-reaching implications, potentially reshaping the disciplinary outcome of one of the tournament’s most contentious finals in recent history.