Senegal to contest CAF ruling after Morocco declared AFCON winners

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has talked for the first on the decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to take away 2025 AFCON title from the West Africans and give it to Morocco.

Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 in January to win the tournament, but it was a hugely controversial win against the tournament hosts. CAF decided to uphold the appeal filed by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) following the sanctions imposed by the governing body after the final on January 18.

The CAF Appeal Board decided that in application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 (“the Match”),…

— CAF Media (@CAF_Media) March 17, 2026

Consequently, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) was found to be in breach of regulations due to its team’s conduct during the final.

The sanction was immediate and drastic: Senegal was declared the loser by forfeit, and the match was officially awarded to Morocco with a score of 3-0, thus granting them the continental title.

Senegal to appeal to Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)

In a statement, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) denounced this decision as “unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable,” believing it discredits African football.

“To defend the rights and interests of Senegalese football, the federation announces it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, with an emergency procedure to be initiated as soon as possible,” read part of the statement.

“The Federation reaffirms its commitment to the values of integrity and sporting justice and will keep the public informed of the follow-up to this matter.”

The disciplinary proceedings didn’t end with the final. The case of Moroccan midfielder Ismaël Saibari was also reviewed on appeal. Found guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct in violation of articles 82 and 83(1) of the disciplinary code, the player nevertheless saw his sanction reduced.

Initially heavily penalised, Saibari ultimately received a two-match suspension in CAF competitions, one of which was suspended. The $100,000 fine imposed on him, however, was overturned.

The CAF’s decision does not entirely absolve the Moroccan federation. It is found responsible for the ball boys’ behavior during the match. However, the fine related to this incident has been reduced to $50,000.

However, the $100,000 penalty for interference around the VAR review area (OFR) is upheld. Regarding the laser incident, the CAF has decided to reduce the penalty to $10,000.

Rarely has an Africa Cup of Nations final had such an outcome. This verdict, handed down on appeal, completely reshapes the sporting outcome of the competition and is likely to provoke numerous reactions across the continent.