The Confederation of African Football (CAF) appeal board has announced a highly controversial decision regarding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) final held in Morocco. The Senegal national team, represented by the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), has been declared to have forfeited the final match against Morocco’s national team, Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF). This ruling sets aside Senegal's original 1-0 win, changing the official score to 3-0 in favour of Morocco.

The catalyst for this unprecedented decision occurred during the 2025 Afcon final on January 18 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. In the final minutes of the game, Senegal’s coach, Pape Thiaw, instructed his players to walk off the pitch. This drastic action followed a moment of intense contention: a potential winning goal for Senegal was disallowed, immediately followed by the referee awarding a penalty to the host nation, Morocco, after a VAR review. Coach Thiaw cited "injustice" and "perceived bias" as the reasons for his protest.

Despite the initial walk-off, Senegal’s captain, Sadio Mané, played a crucial role in convincing Thiaw and his teammates to return to the field to complete the match. They ultimately finished the game and were initially crowned as the 2025 Afcon Champions. However, CAF, the governing body for African football, confirmed that Morocco’s appeal against the initial outcome was upheld. The appeal board found that the conduct of the Senegal team infringed upon Articles 82 and 84 of the regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, leading to the declaration of forfeiture.

In its detailed statement, CAF outlined the specifics of its rulings. The appeal lodged by the FRMF was declared admissible and upheld, consequently setting aside the CAF disciplinary board's prior decision. The board affirmed that Senegal's actions fell within the scope of regulatory infringements, confirming the protest by the Moroccan team and applying the forfeiture rule as per Article 84. All other motions or prayers for relief sought in relation to the main match outcome were dismissed.

The CAF appeal board also addressed other incidents from the contentious final. Regarding Moroccan player Ismaël Saibari (player No. 11), who was involved in an incident with Senegalese player Édouard Mendy’s towel, his sanction was amended. The initial penalty was revised to a suspension of two official CAF matches, with one of these matches being suspended, meaning he will serve a one-match ban.

Furthermore, the board ruled on issues concerning the match organization. The appeal related to the ball boys incident was partially upheld, with the CAF appeal board confirming that the FRMF was responsible for the conduct of the ball boys. The fine imposed on the FRMF for this incident was reduced to $50,000. Conversely, an appeal lodged concerning interference around the OFR/VAR review area was dismissed, and the original fine of $100,000 imposed on the FRMF for this interference was confirmed.

The ruling has ignited a significant backlash among netizens across Africa and beyond, with many expressing profound disappointment and accusing CAF and the Moroccan team of corruption. Calls have emerged for African nations to boycott the confederation. In response to the decision, the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football has formally declared its firm intention to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, as soon as possible, to defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football. No further comments have been issued by Senegal's team coach or players since this announcement.