In a surprising turn of events, the Confédération Africaine de Football (Caf) finds itself in the spotlight once more, though opinions may vary depending on one’s location. If you are from Morocco, you are likely pleased, whereas those from Senegal may be quite upset after the Caf Appeal Board announced on Tuesday, March 17, that the Senegal National Team has been declared to have forfeited the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) title that they secured in January.
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Senegal was crowned the Afcon champions earlier this year, after securing a dramatic victory against the Atlas Lions with a 1-0 win, thanks to a goal from Pape Gueye.
This final was not only dramatic but also potentially embarrassing for African football, as it was showcased on a global stage with the world witnessing the unfolding drama. Ballboys and professional players from Morocco stealing the goalkeeper’s towel. Senegal walked off the pitch in protest against a controversial penalty awarded in the 98th minute by the Congolese referee, Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo. The protest, led by the Lions of Teranga’s coach, Pape Thiaw, was in response to a VAR-reviewed decision, resulting in a 10-minute delay.
Despite returning to the pitch and witnessing Morocco’s Brahim Díaz miss a panenka that was saved by Édouard Mendy, Senegal ultimately secured the match with a 1-0 victory, earning them the prestigious title in African football. However, shortly thereafter, further drama ensued, leading to heavy sanctions, which now include Senegal being stripped of the title.
Caf’s Ruling Press Statement
The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) Appeal Board decided today that in application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 (“the Match”), with the result of the Match being recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).
On the appeal by the FRMF regarding the application of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the CAF Appeal Board made the following rulings:
– “The appeal lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) is declared admissible in form, and the appeal is upheld.
– The CAF Disciplinary Board decision is set aside.
– 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.
– The protest lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) is upheld.
– It is declared that the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), through the conduct of its team, infringed Article 82 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations.
– 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 (FRMF).
– All other motions or prayers for relief are dismissed.”
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The CAF Appeal Board also ruled that:
– “The appeal lodged in respect of Mr. Ismaël Saibari (Player No. 11 of the Morocco National Team) is partially upheld.
– The CAF Appeal Board confirms the finding that Mr. Ismaël Saibari (Player No. 11 of the Morocco National Team) committed misconduct in violation of Articles 82 and 83(1) of the CAF Disciplinary Code.
– The sanction imposed on Mr.r Ismaël Saibari (Player No. 11 of the Morocco National Team) is amended to a suspension of two (2) official CAF matches, of which one (1) match is suspended.
– The fine of USD 100,000 imposed on Mr. Ismaël Saibari (Player No. 11 of the Morocco National Team) is set aside.
– The appeal lodged in respect of the ball boys incident is partially upheld.
– The CAF Appeal Board confirms the finding that the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) is responsible for the conduct of the ball boys during the aforementioned match.
– The fine imposed on the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) in respect of the ball boys incident is reduced to USD 50,000.
– The appeal lodged in respect of the interference around the OFR/VAR review area is dismissed.
– The fine of USD 100,000 imposed on the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) in respect of the interference around the OFR/VAR review area is confirmed.
– The appeal lodged in respect of the laser incident is partially upheld.
– The fine imposed on the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) in respect of the laser incident is reduced to USD 10,000.
– All other motions or prayers for relief are dismissed.”
