Morocco are the champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, decided not on the pitch, but in the boardroom.
The Confederation of African Football Appeal Board ruled that Senegal forfeited the final, awarding Morocco a 3–0 victory and the title.
The decision followed an appeal by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football, which challenged an earlier disciplinary ruling.
Related Post
CAF found that the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football breached tournament regulations under Articles 82 and 84.
As a result, the final was officially handed to Morocco, bringing a dramatic and controversial end to the tournament.
It is a rare moment in African football, where a final is decided off the field. Senegal’s campaign ends in disappointment, not because of football, but because of a rules violation.
Morocco’s celebrations, meanwhile, come with mixed emotions. The trophy is theirs, but the manner of victory will be debated for years.
The ruling also addressed other incidents from the match. Ismaël Saibari had his suspension reduced, and his fine dropped.
Morocco’s federation was fined over issues involving ball boys, VAR interference, and a laser incident, though some penalties were reduced on appeal.
None of those, however, changed the final outcome.
Morocco are champions of Africa, officially, decisively, and in the most unexpected way.
