Morocco have been officially declared champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following a dramatic decision by the Confederation of African Football Appeal Board to overturn the result of the final against Senegal.
The ruling comes after chaotic scenes during the final in Rabat, where Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest during extra time, prompting a formal appeal by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).
In its decision delivered on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, the Appeal Board ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match, with the result officially recorded as a 3-0 victory in favour of Morocco.
“The appeal lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) is declared admissible in form and the appeal is upheld,” the statement said.
The controversy stemmed from a tense moment late in the game when Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review after an incident involving Brahim Díaz.
The decision sparked protests from the Senegal bench, with head coach Pape Thiaw instructing his players to leave the pitch in protest, bringing the match to a standstill.
The Appeal Board found that Senegal’s actions breached tournament regulations.
“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 of the Africa Cup of Nations,” the statement said.
As a result, Senegal have been stripped of the title, with the Appeal Board setting aside an earlier decision by CAF’s Disciplinary Board.
“It is declared that the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), through the conduct of its team, infringed Article 82 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations,” the ruling stated.
“In application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, the Senegal team is declared to have forfeited the match, with the result recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).”
The decision hands Morocco the continental title under extraordinary circumstances, marking one of the most controversial conclusions in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Additional sanctions
The Appeal Board also ruled on several related disciplinary matters arising from the match.
Morocco midfielder Ismaël Saibari was found guilty of misconduct, with his sanction reduced to a two-match suspension, one of which is suspended. A previously imposed fine of 100,000 dollars was set aside.
The Moroccan federation was also sanctioned over incidents involving ball boys, interference around the VAR review area and the use of laser lights, with some fines reduced and others upheld.
Historic and controversial outcome
The ruling brings to a close a highly contentious final and sets a significant precedent in the enforcement of competition regulations at the continental level.
While Morocco celebrate a historic triumph on home soil, the decision is likely to generate debate across African football, particularly over the circumstances that led to Senegal’s walk-off and the strict application of tournament rules.