Senegal Heads to CAS After CAF Overturns AFCON Final Result

In a dramatic reversal of the on-field result, the CAF Appeal Board upheld a protest by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), declaring Morocco the winners of the final by a 3–0 forfeit. The decision cited violations of Articles 82 and 84 regarding team conduct during the tournament's centrepiece match.

The Board’s decision overhauled several previous disciplinary findings:

Senegal was found to have infringed on regulations governing team conduct. Consequently, their participation in the final was nullified and awarded to Morocco.

Morocco’s Ismaël Saibari saw his fine of $100,000 scrapped, though he remains suspended for two matches (one suspended) for misconduct.

The fine for the ball boy incident was reduced to $50,000, the $10,000 fine for the laser incident was upheld (partially reduced), the $100,000 penalty for VAR area interference remains in full effect.

READ: Miguel Cardoso: Marumo Gallants win sign of championship grit

Refusing to accept the administrative loss, Senegal is seeking an immediate intervention from CAS to stay the decision. The FSF argues that the pitch results should stand and that the technicalities cited by the Appeal Board do not warrant the forfeiture of a continental championship.