Arjun Menon
Appeals Committee Overturns Final Result
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) appeals committee has fundamentally altered the outcome of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Following a review of the incidents during the final in Morocco, Senegal has been ruled to have lost the match by forfeit. This administrative decision grants the host nation the official title.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) submitted a formal appeal that successfully overturned a prior ruling from the Disciplinary Committee. Judicial authorities cited Articles 82 and 84 of the tournament regulations to justify the severity of the penalty against the Senegal national team.
“The Appeals Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has decided, in accordance with Article 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Regulations, to declare the Senegal national team as forfeiting the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 (‘the Match’), with the result officially recorded as 3-0 in favor of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF),” the statement reads.
Chaos in Rabat
The match, held on January 18 in Rabat, concluded with Senegal winning 1-0 on the pitch. Tensions escalated in the second half when a Senegal goal was disallowed and Morocco received a stoppage-time penalty. Several Senegalese players walked off the pitch before returning to finish the game. Meanwhile, supporters attempted a pitch invasion and launched objects toward the field of play. Morocco winger Brahim Diaz missed the late penalty, leading to extra time where Pape Gueye scored the deciding goal for Senegal.
The FRMF clarified its stance through a press release, stating the appeal was not meant to diminish the athletic performances but to ensure the strict application of competition rules. The federation emphasized its focus on maintaining the stability and clarity of the competitive framework in African football. A follow-up statement from Moroccan officials is expected this Wednesday. Follow TipsGG for ongoing AFCON updates and official rulings.