BREAKING: CAF declares Morocco AFCON 2025 winners

Africa, Sports

LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 17, 2026 — The Appeal Board of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has declared Morocco the winner of AFCON 2025, following Morocco’s appeal after Senegal staged a walkout during the finals.

Applying Article 84 of the Regulations, CAF ruled that Senegal forfeited the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, with the result recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).

In a statement on Tuesday, CAF said:

• The appeal lodged by FRMF was admissible and upheld.
• The CAF Disciplinary Board decision was set aside.
• Senegal’s conduct fell within Articles 82 and 84, leading to forfeiture of the match.
• All other motions or requests were dismissed.

On disciplinary matters, CAF ruled:

• The appeal regarding Morocco’s Ismaël Saibari (Player No. 11) was partially upheld. His misconduct was confirmed, but his sanction was reduced to a two‑match suspension, with one match suspended. The USD 100,000 fine was set aside.
• The appeal on the ball boys incident was partially upheld; FRMF’s responsibility was confirmed, but the fine was reduced to USD 50,000.
• The appeal on interference around the OFR/VAR review area was dismissed, with the USD 100,000 fine confirmed.
• The appeal on the laser incident was partially upheld, with the fine reduced to USD 10,000.

CAF concluded that Morocco’s protest was valid, Senegal forfeited the final, and Morocco was officially declared AFCON 2025 champions.