Senegal Stripped Of AFCON Title As CAF Appeal Board Declares Morocco 3-0 Champions
Senegal have been stripped of their Africa Cup of Nations title after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board ruled that the team forfeited the AFCON final. Morocco have now been declared 3–0 winners in a dramatic reversal announced just before midnight on 17 March 2026.
The ruling overturns the earlier decision that had allowed Senegal to keep their 1–0 victory from the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final, played on 18 January 2026 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
CAF confirmed that the appeal lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) was upheld. The earlier decision by the CAF Disciplinary Board was set aside, meaning the final result has now officially changed.
In its ruling, CAF stated:
“The appeal lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football is declared admissible in form and the appeal is upheld. The CAF Disciplinary Board decision is set aside.”
The governing body added that Senegal’s conduct during the match violated competition regulations.
“The CAF Appeal Board further finds that the conduct of the Senegal team falls within the scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations.”
CAF confirmed that the consequence of the ruling is the forfeiture of the match.
“In application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, the Senegal team is declared to have forfeited the match, with the result recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football.”
Midnight Verdict Turns AFCON Final On Its Head
The decision marks one of the most dramatic reversals in AFCON history.
Senegal had originally been declared champions after Pape Gueye scored in extra time to secure a 1–0 victory following a tense final in Rabat on 18 January 2026.
That match had already been surrounded by controversy. According to the CAF disciplinary proceedings released on 29 January 2026, both teams were sanctioned following heated scenes during the game.
At the time, CAF confirmed that Senegal coach Pape Thiaw received a suspension and a fine.
“The Senegal head coach, Pape Thiaw, has been sanctioned with a five-match suspension and a financial penalty for conduct deemed incompatible with the principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity.”
Two Senegal players, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, were also handed suspensions after incidents involving the referee.
The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) was fined US$615,000 (approximately R11.5 million) following multiple disciplinary breaches.
Morocco were also punished.
The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) received fines totalling US$315,000 (approximately R5.9 million) for incidents involving players, stadium ball boys, and supporters.
Morocco Sanctions Reduced In Appeal
The CAF Appeal Board ruling also amended several penalties imposed after the final.
Morocco player Ismaël Saibari had previously been fined US$100,000 (approximately R1.9 million) and banned for three matches. The appeal decision removed the financial penalty and reduced the suspension.
CAF stated:
“The sanction imposed on Mr Ismaël Saibari is amended to a suspension of two official CAF matches, of which one match is suspended.”
The Appeal Board also adjusted penalties related to stadium incidents.
CAF confirmed that Morocco remained responsible for the conduct of ball boys during the match but reduced the financial sanction.
“The fine imposed on the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football in respect of the ball boys incident is reduced to US$50,000.”
However, the governing body upheld another penalty linked to interference near the VAR review area.
“The appeal lodged in respect of the interference around the OFR/VAR review area is dismissed. The fine of US$100,000 imposed on the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football is confirmed.”
CAF also reduced the fine linked to laser devices used by supporters to US$10,000 (approximately R190,000).
With the appeal ruling now published late on 17 March 2026, the AFCON title officially moves from Senegal to Morocco.
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The post Senegal Stripped Of AFCON 2026 Title: Morocco Declared 3-0 Champions In Stunning Reversal By CAF Appeal Board appeared first on iHarare News.
