In an unprecedented boardroom decision that has redefined the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board has officially stripped Senegal of their title and declared the host nation, Morocco, as the champions.
The ruling shared in post by the Confederation on X, which overturned an earlier decision by the CAF Disciplinary Jury, follows a successful appeal by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) regarding the chaotic events of the final match held in Rabat.
The controversy stems from a dramatic protest during the final minutes of the match. With the game tied at 0–0 in stoppage time, Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty to Morocco following a VAR review for a foul on Brahim Diaz.
In a furious reaction to the decision, the Senegalese bench-led by coach Pape Thiaw, instructed the players to leave the pitch. Although the players eventually returned and the match proceeded into extra time (where Senegal initially won 1–0), the CAF Appeal Board ruled that the temporary walkout constituted a formal “refusal to play.”
Article 84: The Hammer Falls
The Appeal Board invoked Article 84 of the AFCON Regulations, which mandates that any team refusing to play or leaving the field without the referee’s permission is declared to have forfeited the match.
“The Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match… with the result of the Match being recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF),” the official communiqué stated.
The board further noted that the previous Disciplinary Jury’s decision was set aside because the Moroccan Federation’s “right to be heard” had been violated during the initial proceedings.
Fines and Suspensions
While Morocco was awarded the trophy, they did not escape unscathed. The Appeal Board confirmed a $100,000 fine against the FRMF for interference around the VAR review area and a $50,000 fine for the conduct of ball boys during the match. Additionally, Moroccan player Ismaël Saibari received a two-match suspension (with one match suspended) for misconduct.
For Senegal, the heartbreak is double; after lifting the trophy on the pitch in Rabat, the “Lions of Teranga” must now return the silverware. Reports suggest the Senegalese Football Federation may escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).