AFCON's extraordinary statement reversing result of final after huge controversy

Morocco have been crowned Africa Cup of Nations champions after CAF's Appeal Board ruled that Senegal forfeited the final, with the result recorded as 3-0 to Morocco following chaotic scenes at the stadium

Senegal won the AFCON final 1-0 in January(Image: AP)

Morocco have been declared champions of the Africa Cup of Nations following the overturning of the final result against Senegal. The showpiece was originally won 1-0 by Senegal after extra-time, handing Liverpool legend Sadio Mane one of the greatest moments of his career.

Pape Gueye's strike had secured a second AFCON crown for Senegal amid chaotic scenes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Senegal players abandoned the pitch following the awarding of a penalty via VAR, with supporters from the West African nation clashing with security whilst attempting to storm the pitch.

After a prolonged delay, Brahim Díaz squandered the penalty in the 24th minute of stoppage time. Nevertheless, Morocco have now been crowned African champions for the first time since 1976.

A statement from The Confederation of African Football confirmed: "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"), with the result of the Match being recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).

"The Confédération Africaine de Football ("CAF") Appeal Board decided today 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"), with the result of the Match being recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).

"In response to the appeal lodged by the FRMF concerning the enforcement of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the CAF Appeal Board issued the following verdicts:

Senegal celebrate winning the African Cup of Nations(Image: AP)

- The appeal submitted by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) is deemed admissible in form and the appeal is upheld.

- The decision of the CAF Disciplinary Board is overturned.

- The CAF Appeal Board further determines that the behaviour of the Senegal team falls under the purview of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations.

- The protest filed by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) is upheld.- It is proclaimed that the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), through the actions of its team, violated Article 82 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations.

- In accordance with Article 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, the Senegal team is declared to have forfeited the match, with the result registered as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).

- All other motions or prayers for relief are dismissed.

The CAF Appeal Board also decreed that:

- The appeal lodged in respect of Mr Ismaël Saibari (Player No.11 of the Morocco National Team) is partially upheld.

- The CAF Appeal Board confirms the finding that Mr Ismaël Saibari (Player No. 11 of the Morocco National Team) committed misconduct in violation of Articles 82 and 83(1) of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

- The sanction imposed on Mr Ismaël Saibari (Player No. 11 of the Morocco National Team) is amended to a suspension of two (2) official CAF matches, of which one (1) match is suspended.

- The fine of USD 100,000 imposed on Mr Ismaël Saibari (Player No. 11 of the Morocco National Team) is set aside.

- The appeal lodged in respect of the ball boys incident is partially upheld.

- The CAF Appeal Board confirms the finding that the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) is responsible for the conduct of the ball boys during the aforementioned match.

- The fine imposed on the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) in respect of the ball boys incident is reduced to USD 50,000.

- The appeal lodged in respect of the interference around the OFR/VAR review area is dismissed.

- The fine of USD 100,000 imposed on the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) in respect of the interference around the OFR/VAR review area is confirmed.

- The appeal lodged in respect of the laser incident is partially upheld.

- The penalty levied on the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) regarding the laser incident is reduced to USD 10,000.

- All other requests or appeals for relief are dismissed.