Morocco have been officially crowned champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the CAF Appeal Board overturned the result of the final against Senegal.
The decision follows dramatic scenes in Rabat, where the Lions of Teranga walked off the pitch in protest, resulting in a retrospective 3–0 forfeit victory for the host nation.
In a detailed statement, the CAF Appeal Board confirmed that the appeal lodged by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was “declared admissible in form and upheld.”
The landmark ruling strips Senegal of what would have been their second continental title, instead awarding victory to the hosts after a match that descended into chaos during extra time.
The controversy stemmed from a heated moment deep into stoppage time when Morocco’s Brahim Diaz went down in the penalty area. Although the referee initially waved play on, a VAR review awarded a spot-kick to the hosts. The decision sparked a furious reaction from the Senegalese bench, with head coach Pape Thiaw instructing his players to leave the pitch in protest—an action that lasted several minutes.
The CAF Appeal Board ruled that “the conduct of the Senegal team falls within the scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations.” By abandoning the field of play, Senegal were deemed to have breached the rules, leading to the administrative 3–0 defeat.
The decision overturns the earlier ruling of the CAF Disciplinary Board and confirms that Morocco’s protest has been fully upheld.
