The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has reportedly scored a significant victory in its ongoing dispute over the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. On March 13, CAF officially accepted Morocco’s appeal, meaning the case will be reopened and carefully reviewed.
The controversy dates back to the final held on January 18 at the Complexe Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, where Morocco faced Senegal in a match that quickly became one of the most debated in recent African football history.
Following the game, CAF handed down sanctions to both federations, including suspensions for players and coaches, as well as financial penalties. However, Morocco argued that the initial rulings were either too harsh or failed to take all circumstances into account, prompting the appeal.
The @CAF_Online Appeals Committee is going to hear the appeal of @FRMFOFFICIEL, concerning the ruling of the Disciplinary Committee on the misconduct of #Senegal and #Morocco, during the #AFCON 2025 final, on Tuesday, March 17th. This is the RIGHT information, #Africa. pic.twitter.com/s9DBPXd6nc
— Osasu Obayiuwana (@osasuo) March 14, 2026
A second look at the final
The FRMF’s appeal focuses on incidents during and immediately after the match, including confrontations on the field and the Senegalese team’s walk-off. With CAF agreeing to reconsider the case, both sides will now have the chance to present additional evidence and arguments, leaving open the possibility of revised sanctions or other adjustments.
The initial disciplinary measures had hit both teams hard. Senegal’s coach received a five-match ban, and several players were suspended for unsportsmanlike behavior. On Morocco’s side, key players such as Achraf Hakimi and Ismaël Saibari faced suspensions, and the federation itself was fined for crowd and team-related infractions. While Senegal accepted the original decisions, Morocco immediately contested them, insisting that CAF’s initial verdict did not fully reflect the events on the pitch.
With the appeal now accepted, CAF will hold a new hearing, giving Morocco a fresh opportunity to make its case. Depending on how the review unfolds, fines, suspensions, or official match records could still be revised.
Read also: AFCON Final: Could Morocco Turn to CAS After CAF’s Light Sanctions on Senegal?
