CAF Overturns AFCON 2025 Final: Senegal Handed Forfeit Loss as Morocco Declared Winners

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially overturned the outcome of the AFCON 2025 final, declaring Morocco the winner and Senegal the loser by forfeit.

In a decision released Tuesday, CAF’s appeals committee ruled in favor of the Moroccan Football Federation, annulling the initial disciplinary decision and awarding Morocco a 3–0 victory.

The ruling marks a dramatic turn in one of the most controversial finals in recent African football history.

Senegal Found in Violation

According to CAF, the appeals jury determined that the conduct of the Senegalese team constituted a breach of competition regulations.

As a result, the match was officially recorded as a forfeit loss for Senegal.

While CAF did not fully detail all elements of the violation in its summary, the decision signals that the governing body viewed the situation as serious enough to justify overturning the original result.

Mixed Sanctions Across Both Sides

The ruling also addressed several disciplinary issues involving both teams.

Moroccan player Ismaël Saibari saw his suspension reduced to two matches, including one suspended sentence. His financial penalty was also canceled.

At the same time, CAF recognized the responsibility of the Moroccan federation for the behavior of ball boys during the match. A fine was issued but reduced.

Additional sanctions related to incidents near the Video Assistant Referee area and the use of lasers were partially upheld, though reduced.

Not the End for Senegal

Despite the ruling, the situation is far from over.

The Senegalese Football Federation still has the option to appeal the decision before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Under Article R49 of the CAS Code, Senegal has 21 days from the notification of the decision to file an appeal.

This opens the door for a final legal battle that could potentially overturn or modify CAF’s ruling.

A Case Heading to Arbitration?

Senegalese football officials have already hinted that an appeal is likely.

Abdoulaye Fall, president of the Senegalese Football Federation, previously stated that the organization is prepared for all possible outcomes.

That statement now carries more weight, as the case could move beyond CAF’s internal structures and into international sports arbitration.

A Controversial Precedent

The decision raises broader questions about governance and consistency in African football.

Overturning the result of a major final is rare, and doing so by awarding a forfeit victory adds to the controversy.

For fans, players, and officials, the focus now shifts to what happens next.

Will the ruling stand?

Or will the case escalate into a larger legal dispute that reshapes the outcome once again?