Senegal lose AFCON 2025 final by forfeit as CAF awards Morocco 3-0 win

The Appeal Board of the Confederation of African Football has ruled that Senegal forfeited the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, resulting in a 3-0 win being officially awarded to Morocco.

The verdict came after an appeal from the Federation Royale Marocaine de Football was upheld, overturning an earlier decision by the CAF Disciplinary Board.

CAF found that Senegal’s behaviour during the final fell under Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations, leading to the forfeit and adjusted scoreline in Morocco’s favour. The Appeal Board also stated that the Federation Senegalaise de Football breached Article 82 through the conduct of its team, thereby validating Morocco’s protest.

There were further disciplinary outcomes around the controversial final. Morocco midfielder Ismael Saibari was found guilty of misconduct, but his punishment was reduced to a two-match ban, with one match suspended, and an earlier 100,000 dollar fine was cancelled.

CAF also ruled on several organisational issues linked to Morocco: a fine over ball boys’ behaviour was cut to 50,000 dollars, a 100,000 dollar sanction for interference around the VAR area was maintained, and a separate penalty linked to a laser incident was reduced to 10,000 dollars.

All other motions or prayers for relief in the appeal from the Federation Royale Marocaine de Football were dismissed.