The dust has finally settled on the most tumultuous final in the history of African football. In a definitive ruling that reinforces the sanctity of the pitch over the drama of the courtroom, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board has officially dismissed Morocco’s formal bid to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.
The decision cements the Lions of Teranga as two-time kings of the continent, ensuring the trophy remains in Dakar despite a night in Rabat defined by administrative chaos, VAR-side scuffles, and a high-stakes walkout.
The Federation Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) had launched a sophisticated legal challenge, citing Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations. The crux of their argument rested on the infamous 17-minute stoppage when Senegalese players retreated to the tunnel in protest of a late penalty awarded to the hosts.
Morocco contended that this temporary exit constituted a “material withdrawal” from the match. However, the CAF Disciplinary Board disagreed, ruling that because the match reached its natural conclusion—and because Morocco’s Brahim Diaz ultimately missed the contested spot-kick—the 1-0 result on the scoreboard must be honored.
A Costly Victory: Fines and Sanctions
While Senegal retains the silverware, the victory comes with a staggering price tag. CAF issued a series of blistering financial penalties and suspensions aimed at curbing the “unsporting atmosphere” that gripped the final.
Financial Penalties Breakdown
Entity Penalyzed Violation Fine (USD)
Senegalese Football Federation Aggregate misconduct of staff and supporters $615,000
FRMF (Morocco) Ball boy interference & “Inappropriate behavior” $200,000
FRMF (Morocco) Invasion of the VAR review area $100,000
FRMF (Morocco) Use of prohibited lasers by supporters $15,000
Stars Sidelined
The fallout extended beyond the federations to the players themselves. Morocco’s talismanic captain Achraf Hakimi has been handed a two-match ban (with one match suspended), while Ismaël Saibari faces a harsher three-match suspension and a personal fine of $100,000 for his role in the post-match escalations.
“The integrity of the game must be preserved both on the field and in the technical areas,” the Board noted in its closing remarks, signaling a zero-tolerance policy for the intimidation of match officials.
The Final Verdict
By upholding the result, CAF has avoided a legal precedent that could have seen future matches decided by technicalities rather than goals. Senegal’s 1-0 triumph in the heart of Rabat stands as a testament to their resilience, even as both nations are left to count the cost of a final that pushed the limits of African football’s governing laws.
