Morocco Crowned AFCON Champions After Senegal Sanctioned
The Confederation of African Football Appeal Board officially declared Morocco the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations champions.
This dramatic decision overturned the final result against Senegal following chaotic scenes in Rabat.
Senegal’s players walked off the pitch during extra time in protest. The FĂ©dĂ©ration Royale Marocaine de Football subsequently filed a formal appeal regarding the incident.
Consequently, the Appeal Board delivered its ruling on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. It determined that Senegal had forfeited the match entirely. Therefore, the result is now officially recorded as a 3-0 victory for Morocco.
The controversy began when Morocco received a penalty after a VAR review. The incident involved Brahim DĂaz and sparked immediate protests from the Senegal bench. Head coach Pape Thiaw then instructed his players to leave the pitch. This action brought the match to a complete standstill.
The Appeal Board found Senegal’s conduct breached tournament regulations. Specifically, the actions fell under Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations. As a result, the board set aside an earlier Disciplinary Board decision. Senegal has now been stripped of the title entirely.
Additional sanctions accompanied the historic ruling. Morocco midfielder Ismaël Saibari received a reduced two-match suspension. However, the board set aside his previously imposed $100,000 fine.
The Moroccan federation also faced sanctions over several incidents. These included ball boy conduct and interference near the VAR area. The use of laser lights also drew penalties from the board. Some fines were reduced while others remained fully upheld.
This ruling marks one of the most controversial AFCON conclusions ever.
Morocco now celebrates a historic triumph on home soil. Nevertheless, the decision will likely generate significant debate across African football.
The strict application of tournament rules has set a new precedent. Senegal’s walk-off ultimately cost them the continental title. African football now reflects on this extraordinary and contentious outcome.
