In a rare decision, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has overturned the result of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, stripping Senegal of the title and declaring Morocco as champions.
The decision was announced by CAF’s Appeal Board, which awarded Morocco a 3–0 victory after ruling that Senegal forfeited the match following a dramatic walk-off during extra time.
The controversy erupted late in the final when Morocco’s Brahim Diaz fell inside the penalty area. Although the referee initially waved play on, a VAR review led to a penalty decision in favor of Morocco. The call sparked intense اعتراض from the Senegal bench, with head coach Pape Thiaw instructing his players to leave the pitch in protest.
In its ruling, CAF stated, “The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Appeal Board decided today that in application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match… with the result recorded as 3–0 in favor of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).
“On the appeal by the FRMF regarding the application of Articles 82 and 84… the appeal is upheld, and the CAF Disciplinary Board decision is set aside.
“The CAF Appeal Board further finds that the conduct of the Senegal team falls within the scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations.
“It is declared that the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), through the conduct of its team, infringed Article 82… and in application of Article 84, the Senegal team is declared to have forfeited the match.”
CAF added that all other motions or requests for relief were dismissed, bringing an end to the contentious dispute.
