Morocco clinched the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 title after the CAF Appeals Board nullified the final against Senegal. This decision followed unprecedented scenes in Rabat where the Teranga Lions abandoned the pitch in protest, leading to a 3-0 forfeit win for the hosts.

• Sénégal stripped of can title after controversial final walkout

  The CAF Appeals Board confirmed the Royal Moroccan Football Federation’s appeal was “admissible and upheld,” stripping Senegal of what would have been their second continental title. This landmark decision rewarded hosts Morocco for a match that descended into chaos during extra time.

  The controversy stemmed from a tense moment in stoppage time when Moroccan forward Brahim Díaz collapsed in the penalty area. While the referee initially allowed play to continue, a VAR review awarded a controversial penalty to the hosts. This triggered furious reactions from the Senegalese bench, with coach Pape Thiaw ordering his players to walk off the pitch in protest, a walkout that lasted several minutes.

  The CAF Appeals Board ruled Senegal’s actions violated CAN regulations under Articles 82 and 84. By leaving the field, the team was deemed to have breached protocol, resulting in an administrative 3-0 defeat. This decision overturned an earlier ruling by the CAF Disciplinary Board and fully upheld Morocco’s appeal.

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  CAF upholds Morocco’s appeal in historic can final ruling

  The CAF statement read: « The Appeals Board of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) today ruled that in accordance with Article 84 of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Regulations, the Senegal national team is declared forfeit for the final of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Morocco 2025 (« the match »), with the result recorded as a 3–0 victory in favour of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). »

  Following Morocco’s appeal regarding the application of Articles 82 and 84 of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Regulations, the CAF Appeals Board issued the following rulings:

  • The appeal lodged by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) is declared admissible and upheld.
  • The decision of the CAF Disciplinary Board is annulled.
  • The CAF Appeals Board further ruled that Senegal’s conduct falls within the scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the CAN Regulations.
  • The claim submitted by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) is upheld.
  • It is declared that the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), through its team’s conduct, violated Article 82 of the CAN Regulations.
  • Pursuant to Article 84 of the CAN Regulations, the Senegal national team is declared forfeit, with the result recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).
  • All other claims or requests for reparations are dismissed.

• Sadio Mané’s leadership prevents further chaos in can final

  While most players followed coach Thiaw towards the dressing rooms, Sadio Mané convinced them to return and complete the match. Mané later explained: « When they decided to walk off and stop playing, I stayed and asked some of the lads: “What do you think? Is this a good idea or not?” Then I decided to go and bring everyone back onto the pitch. I think it was the right call. After all, it’s just football, and I believe referees can sometimes get it wrong. The whole world is watching this match. Whether it was a penalty or not, that’s not the most important thing. What matters is respecting the game. It’s not fair to stop a match like this. »

  The players returned, Brahim Díaz missed the penalty with a Panenka attempt directly at the goalkeeper. With the score at 0-0, the match went to extra time, where Papa Gueye scored to seal Senegal’s victory.

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  financial penalties imposed for laser use and var interference

  The decision also addressed several match-related incidents and supporter behavior. While Morocco was declared the winner, the FRMF did not escape financial sanctions entirely. The CAF Appeals Board rejected a claim regarding « interference around the OFR/VAR review area, » confirming a $100,000 fine against the Moroccan federation after officials were obstructed during a tense VAR review in the second half.

  Other fines were slightly reduced; the sanction for local spectators using lasers was lowered to $10,000, while the fine for a controversial incident involving ball boys was halved to $50,000. Despite these financial setbacks, the overriding outcome remains Morocco’s historic triumph, leaving Senegal to rue the title it had fought so hard to secure on the field.