Urgent – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially ruled in favor of Morocco following a major decision by its Appeal Board regarding the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 final.
According to the statement published on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, the CAF Appeal Board declared that the Senegal National Team forfeited the final match, with the result recorded as a 3-0 victory for the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).
Appeal Upheld: Morocco Declared Winner
The decision follows an appeal lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) concerning the application of Articles 82 and 84 of AFCON regulations.
The CAF Appeal Board ruled that:
- The appeal submitted by FRMF is admissible and upheld.
- The previous decision of the CAF Disciplinary Board is overturned.
- The conduct of the Senegal team falls under violations of Articles 82 and 84.
- The protest filed by FRMF is upheld.
- The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) is found to have breached Article 82.
- Senegal is officially declared to have forfeited the match.
- The final result is recorded as 3-0 in favor of Morocco.
This ruling confirms Morocco as the official winner of the AFCON 2025 final following regulatory sanctions.
Sanctions and Additional Decisions
The CAF Appeal Board also issued several rulings related to disciplinary matters involving players and match incidents.
Ismaël Saibari Case
- The appeal concerning Ismaël Saibari is partially upheld.
- The player is found guilty of misconduct under Articles 82 and 83(1).
- His sanction is reduced to a two-match suspension, with one match suspended.
- The initial USD 100,000 fine is cancelled.
FRMF Sanctions Adjusted
- Ball boys incident: fine reduced to USD 50,000.
- VAR/OFR interference: fine of USD 100,000 confirmed.
- Laser incident: fine reduced to USD 10,000.
The CAF confirmed that all other appeals and requests were dismissed.
A Landmark Decision in African Football
This unprecedented ruling by CAF reshapes the outcome of one of the most important matches in African football. By awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory on regulatory grounds, the governing body reinforces its commitment to enforcing competition rules and disciplinary standards.
The decision is expected to generate strong reactions across the football community, as it officially alters the result of the AFCON 2025 final.
Source : cafonline.com
