CAF Strips Senegal of AFCON Title, Declares Morocco Champions -

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially stripped Senegal of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, awarding the البطولة instead to Morocco following a ruling by its Appeal Board.

In a statement released on Tuesday, CAF confirmed that Senegal forfeited the final match after temporarily leaving the pitch in protest, an action deemed a violation of tournament regulations. As a result, the Appeal Board awarded Morocco a 3–0 victory and declared them the new AFCON 2025 champions.

The controversial final took place in Rabat, where hosts Morocco faced Senegal. Tensions escalated late in the match when Morocco were awarded a penalty after a VAR review—a decision strongly contested by Senegalese players. In protest, the Senegal team walked off the field, though they later returned to resume play.

Morocco’s Brahim Díaz missed the resulting penalty, and Senegal went on to score an extra-time winner, initially securing what appeared to be their second AFCON title.

Morocco subsequently lodged an appeal, challenging Senegal’s temporary walk-off. While CAF’s Disciplinary Board initially ruled in Senegal’s favor, Morocco’s Football Federation escalated the matter to the Appeal Board.

In a dramatic reversal, the Appeal Board ruled that Senegal breached Article 84 of AFCON regulations, which governs match forfeiture. Consequently, the match result was overturned and recorded as a 3–0 win for Morocco.

This decision grants Morocco their second AFCON title and their first in 50 years. It also marks the second consecutive tournament won by the host nation and makes Morocco the 12th host country to achieve this feat.

Sanctions Adjusted

The Appeal Board also reviewed several disciplinary measures related to the tournament:

Morocco’s Ismaël Saibari had his three-match suspension reduced to two matches, with one match to be served immediately and the second suspended. A previously imposed $100,000 fine against him was also отменен.
The Moroccan Football Federation saw a fine related to ball boys’ misconduct—specifically interference involving goalkeeper equipment during matches against Nigeria and in the final—reduced to $50,000.
An additional fine for fans’ use of laser pointers was reduced to $10,000.
However, a separate $100,000 fine for interference by Moroccan officials with VAR operations was upheld after the appeal was dismissed.

The ruling brings a controversial end to AFCON 2025, with Morocco now officially recognized as champions.