Morocco have been awarded the afcon title after the tournament’s final was overturned on appeal, while a Moroccan court has postponed the appeal hearing for 18 Senegalese fans detained during the match.
Afcon Final Overturned: Morocco Awarded Title
A Confédération Africaine de Football appeal panel ruled that Senegal forfeited the Africa Cup of Nations final, recording the result as a 3–0 win for Morocco. The decision set aside an earlier disciplinary ruling and upheld Morocco’s protest, citing Articles 82 and 84 of the competition’s regulations. The outcome crowns Morocco champions of Africa for the first time since 1976.
The match itself had initially finished 1-0 in favor of Senegal after extra-time, sealed by a goal from Pape Gueye amid chaotic scenes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Senegal’s players left the field after a video review awarded a late penalty to Morocco, while sections of the crowd clashed with security in efforts to reach the pitch. After a prolonged stoppage, Brahim Diaz missed the spot kick in the 24th minute of added time.
In its ruling, the appeal board found that the conduct of Senegal’s team infringed the tournament’s regulations and that the protest from Morocco’s federation was valid. The panel also adjusted an individual disciplinary sanction from the final.
- Senegal recorded as having forfeited the final; result set at 3–0 to Morocco.
- Morocco’s appeal upheld; an earlier disciplinary decision was set aside.
- Senegal’s conduct deemed to fall under Articles 82 and 84 of the regulations.
- A Morocco player’s suspension amended to two official matches, with one suspended; a $100, 000 fine was removed.
- An appeal concerning a ball boys incident was partially upheld.
Court Postpones Appeal for Senegal Fans
Separately, a court in Morocco has delayed the appeal trial of 18 Senegalese nationals who were detained in Rabat during the 2025 final. The hearing, which had been due to start on Monday, was pushed to March 30. The defendants face hooliganism charges stemming from the disorder that erupted during January’s championship match between Morocco and Senegal.
During the game, a Senegal goal was disallowed before a penalty was awarded to Morocco, prompting the Senegalese team to briefly leave the pitch. In the stands, fans hurled chairs onto the field and fought stewards. Authorities estimate the damage at close to half a million dollars. Last month, 18 Senegalese citizens and one French national were convicted and given sentences ranging from three months to one year in prison, with fines of up to $550. Diplomats from Senegal and France attended the initial court session, and senior officials from Senegal and Morocco later moved to safeguard bilateral ties, including an investment-focused visit by Senegal’s prime minister to Rabat.
What the Rulings Change Now
The CAF decision retroactively awards the title to Morocco and writes a 3–0 scoreline into the record. It also revises an individual suspension and removes a large fine while affirming that Senegal’s team conduct breached disciplinary provisions. The afcon regulations—specifically Articles 82 and 84—were central to the appeal board’s findings.
The legal case involving the detained supporters now returns to court on March 30, with sentences and fines already issued in the initial proceeding. With the competition outcome settled by the forfeit ruling, attention in the coming weeks will focus on the appeals process for the fans and any further procedural steps in Morocco’s courts.
