The Confédération Africaine de Football Appeal Board has officially overturned the AFCON 2025 final result, awarding victory to Morocco after ruling that Senegal forfeited the match.
Final Decision
- The AFCON 2025 final is recorded as a 3–0 win for Morocco
- Senegal is ruled to have breached tournament regulations
- Morocco is effectively awarded the title via disciplinary decision
This decision came after an appeal by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football, which was upheld in full.
Why Senegal Lost the Match
The Appeal Board found that:
Senegal violated Article 82 (misconduct)
Their actions also triggered Article 84, which allows match forfeiture.
Bottom line:
CAF determined that Senegal’s conduct during the final was serious enough to invalidate the result entirely.
Additional Sanctions & Incidents
Morocco Sanctions (Partially Reduced)
Despite being awarded the match, Morocco was not cleared of wrongdoing:
- Ball boys misconduct → Fine reduced to $50,000
- VAR interference incident → Fine of $100,000 upheld
- Laser incident → Fine reduced to $10,000
Player Punishment
- Ismaël Saibari found guilty of misconduct
- Banned for 2 CAF matches (1 suspended)
- Original $100,000 fine cancelled
What This Means
This is one of the most dramatic rulings in AFCON history:
A final decided off the pitch
A major title awarded through disciplinary action
Both teams found guilty of misconduct, but Senegal’s violations were decisive
Big Picture
This ruling sends a strong message from CAF:
- Discipline and conduct are as important as performance
- Major matches, even finals, can be legally overturned
Tournament regulations (especially Articles 82 & 84) have real consequences.
Simple Summary
- Morocco wins AFCON 2025 (3–0, via forfeit)
- Senegal punished for rule violations
- Morocco also fined for multiple incidents
- Saibari suspended, but avoids heavy fine
