Morocco AFCON 2025 champions after historic CAF ruling
In a stunning development, Morocco AFCON 2025 champions became the official verdict after the Confederation of African Football overturned the original result of the tournament final.
The final initially saw the Senegal national football team defeat the Morocco national football team 1-0 in Rabat on January 18. However, the match quickly became controversial due to several incidents that occurred late in the game.
Following an appeal submitted by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, the case was reopened by the Confederation of African Football. After reviewing the events, CAF’s Appeals Board issued a historic decision that dramatically changed the outcome of the tournament.
CAF Overturns the Final Result
According to the official statement, the Appeals Board ruled that Senegal had violated key articles of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations.
The committee determined that the conduct of the Senegalese team fell under Articles 82 and 84 of the competition rules. As a result, the match was officially recorded as a 3-0 victory for Morocco, effectively stripping Senegal of the title.
This decision means that Morocco AFCON 2025 champions becomes the official outcome of the tournament, awarding the Atlas Lions one of the most controversial continental titles in recent history.
Disciplinary Decisions and Sanctions
CAF’s Appeals Board also reviewed several disciplinary cases linked to the final.
One of the notable rulings involved Moroccan midfielder Ismael Saibari. The committee confirmed that the player committed a behavioural violation but partially accepted Morocco’s appeal.
His punishment was reduced to a two-match suspension in CAF competitions, with one match suspended, and the previous $100,000 fine was cancelled.
Additional Incidents Reviewed
Several other incidents from the final were examined by CAF:
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The appeal related to the ball boys incident was partially accepted, with Morocco acknowledging responsibility. The fine was reduced to $50,000.
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The appeal regarding interference in the VAR review area was rejected, meaning the $100,000 fine remained in place.
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The penalty related to the laser incident was partially reduced to $10,000.
A Controversial Title for the Atlas Lions
The decision marks one of the most dramatic rulings in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations. What began as a narrow defeat for Morocco ultimately ended with the Atlas Lions lifting the trophy through a legal appeal.
With the verdict now official, “Morocco AFCON 2025 champions” will remain a headline that defines one of the most controversial conclusions in African football history.
