The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has dramatically awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title to Morocco national football team after ruling that Senegal national football team forfeited the final.

The decision, announced Tuesday evening, followed a successful appeal by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football, which challenged an earlier disciplinary outcome.

CAF’s appeal board found that Senegal breached competition regulations, prompting a reversal of the initial ruling.

In an official statement, CAF declared that the final match would be recorded as a 3–0 victory in favour of Morocco.

The governing body stated that Senegal was deemed to have forfeited the match, effectively handing the continental title to Morocco.

The ruling also addressed several disciplinary issues arising from the controversial final.

Moroccan midfielder Ismaël Saibari was found guilty of misconduct, but his punishment was reduced to a two-match suspension, with one game suspended.

CAF also cancelled a previously imposed $100,000 fine against the player.

The Moroccan federation was held accountable for the conduct of ball boys, though the fine was reduced to $50,000.

However, a $100,000 sanction related to interference around the VAR review area was upheld.

A separate penalty linked to a laser incident was also reduced to $10,000.

CAF confirmed that all other motions in the case were dismissed, bringing closure to the dispute.

The ruling ends a prolonged controversy that had cast doubt over the outcome of one of the most heated finals in AFCON history.

It also underscores CAF’s readiness to enforce its regulations, even in high-profile matches with major continental implications.