The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has officially declared Morocco winners of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final after Senegal were ruled to have lost the match by default.

In a decision issued by CAF’s Appeal Board on Tuesday, the governing body overturned an earlier ruling and awarded Morocco a 3–0 victory following chaotic scenes that disrupted the January 18 final in Rabat.

The match descended into controversy after a late penalty was awarded to Morocco, prompting protests from Senegal’s players, who walked off the pitch.

The situation escalated into clashes between players, attempted pitch invasions by fans, and disorder in media areas.

CAF determined that Senegal’s actions violated tournament regulations, citing breaches under Articles 82 and 84. As a result, the team was sanctioned with a default loss, nullifying their earlier 1–0 win after extra time.

“The appeal lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football is declared admissible and upheld,” CAF stated.

The decision concludes a turbulent chapter in the tournament, widely regarded as one of the most controversial finals in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Earlier sanctions had already been imposed on both sides. The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football was fined $615,000, while Morocco’s federation received a $315,000 fine over misconduct involving players, officials, and supporters.

Senegal’s head coach was handed a five-match ban and fined $100,000 for leading the walk-off protest, which CAF said brought the game into disrepute. Several players from both teams were also punished, including Moroccan midfielder Ismaël Saibari, whose initial sanctions were later reduced on appeal.