The Appeal Board of the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has ruled that the Senegal National Team forfeited the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, awarding a 3–0 victory to the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).
Announcing its decision on Tuesday, CAF said the ruling followed an appeal by the Moroccan federation and was based on the application of Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations.
“The appeal lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) is declared admissible in form and the appeal is upheld,” the CAF Appeal Board stated.
It added: “The CAF Disciplinary Board decision is set aside… the protest lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) is upheld.”
The board further ruled that Senegal breached tournament regulations.
“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 statement read.
“In application of Article 84… 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).”
On other matters arising from the match, CAF said the appeal involving Moroccan player Ismaël Saibari was partially upheld.
“The CAF Appeal Board confirms the finding that Mr Ismaël Saibari… committed misconduct in violation of Articles 82 and 83(1) of the CAF Disciplinary Code,” it stated.
“The sanction… is amended to a suspension of two (2) official CAF matches, of which one (1) match is suspended,” while “the fine of USD 100,000… is set aside.”
CAF also addressed incidents involving ball boys, VAR interference, and laser usage during the match.
“The CAF Appeal Board confirms the finding that the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) is responsible for the conduct of the ball boys,” it said, adding that the fine was reduced to $50,000.
It further ruled: “The appeal lodged in respect of the interference around the OFR/VAR review area is dismissed,” confirming a $100,000 fine, while “the fine… in respect of the laser incident is reduced to USD 10,000.”
“All other motions or prayers for relief are dismissed,” the board concluded.
