Morocco Crowned 2025 AFCON Champions After CAF Decision
Synopsis
In a dramatic turn of events, Morocco has been declared the champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following CAF's decision to overturn the final result due to Senegal's controversial walk-off. This ruling has sparked discussions about sportsmanship and regulations in international football.
Key Takeaways
Morocco awarded the 2025 AFCON title Senegal forfeited the final match Controversial stoppage-time penalty led to walk-off CAF's regulations enforced strict penalties Significant impact on future tournaments
Rabat, March 18 (NationPress) The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title has been awarded to Morocco after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) reversed the final's outcome due to Senegal's walk-off. Senegal had initially secured a 1-0 victory over Morocco in the final held on January 18, but the match faced significant controversy when Senegal's players refused to proceed after Morocco was granted a stoppage-time penalty while the score was tied.
After a 17-minute delay, play resumed but Brahim Diaz's penalty was saved, allowing Pape Gueye to score the decisive goal for Senegal in extra time.
CAF announced that an appeals board has ruled Senegal forfeited the match, which is now recorded as a 3-0 triumph for Morocco.
The statement from CAF indicated that Senegal violated Article 82 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations, which led to the enforcement of Article 84.
According to the CAF Appeal Board, "The Senegal National Team has forfeited the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, with a result of 3–0 in favor of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF)."
Article 82 stipulates that a team that refuses to play or exits the field without the referee's consent is deemed to have lost and is disqualified from the competition. Article 84 states that such violations result in a 3-0 loss and permanent disqualification.
The CAF Appeal Board also determined that the appeal regarding Mr. Ismaël Saibari (Player No. 11 of the Morocco National Team) was partially upheld. It confirmed that Mr. Saibari committed misconduct violating Articles 82 and 83(1) of the CAF Disciplinary Code.
Furthermore, the board amended the penalty for Ismael Saibari to a suspension of two official CAF matches, with one match suspended, and revoked the USD 100,000 fine previously imposed.
Additionally, the CAF Appeal Board recognized that the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) bore responsibility for the conduct of the ball boys during the match and reduced the fine concerning the ball boys incident to USD 50,000.
The board dismissed the appeal concerning the interference in the OFR/VAR review area, confirming a fine of USD 100,000 for the FRMF in this regard.
The appeal related to the laser incident was partially upheld, resulting in a fine of USD 10,000 for the FRMF.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the implications of CAF's ruling, which reflects the importance of adhering to competition regulations. While Senegal's actions during the final were controversial, the governing body's decision to award Morocco the title emphasizes the need for accountability in international sports.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Senegal's title revoked?
Senegal's title was revoked due to their players walking off the field after a controversial stoppage-time penalty was awarded to Morocco.
What was the final score before the ruling?
The final score was originally 1-0 in favor of Senegal before the CAF's decision to overturn the result.
What does Article 82 of the AFCON regulations state?
Article 82 states that a team that refuses to play or leaves the field without the referee's authorization is considered to have lost and is eliminated from the competition.
What were the consequences for Ismaël Saibari?
Ismaël Saibari received a suspension for two official CAF matches, with one match suspended, and the previous fine of USD 100,000 was revoked.
How much was the fine reduced for the ball boys incident?
The fine concerning the conduct of the ball boys was reduced to USD 50,000.
