The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has awarded Morocco the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title after its appeal board ruled that Senegal forfeited the final following a protest during the match in Rabat on January 19. The decision overturns the initial on-field result and marks a rare forfeiture ruling in a major continental final.
The appeal board upheld a protest filed by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF). It determined that the conduct of the Senegal team, who left the pitch after a disallowed goal and a awarded penalty, constituted a forfeit under CAF’s competition regulations (Articles 82 and 84). Consequently, the match result is recorded as a 3-0 victory for Morocco.
The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) has rejected the ruling, describing it as unfair. The federation announced it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), arguing the decision damages the credibility of African football. CAS, the highest international sports arbitration body, will review whether CAF’s disciplinary processes were correctly followed, rather than re-litigating the match events.
Alongside the title award, CAF’s appeal board issued other sanctions. Morocco was fined for incidents involving ball boys and the use of lasers by supporters. A reduced suspension for Moroccan player Ismaël Saibari was also confirmed.
The case highlights ongoing governance and disciplinary challenges within African football. Forfeiture decisions in tournament finals are exceptionally uncommon and often escalate to CAS, where rulings are binding and can set precedents. The outcome will be closely observed for its implications on CAF’s regulatory authority and the consistency of its disciplinary framework.
For CAF, the ruling tests its ability to manage high-stakes disputes while maintaining the commercial and sporting integrity of its premier competition. The CAS appeal by Senegal will now determine the final legal standing of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with a decision that could reshape dispute resolution protocols across the continental game.
