The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has dismissed Morocco’s protest seeking to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title following chaotic scenes during the tournament’s final in Rabat.

In a decision released by the CAF Disciplinary Board, the continental body rejected the complaint filed by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), which alleged that Senegal violated Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final.

CAF ruled that the protest lacked merit, effectively confirming Senegal’s 1–0 extra-time victory and maintaining the Teranga Lions as champions of Africa.

The decision follows weeks of speculation after heated confrontations involving players, officials and supporters from both teams marred the final match.

Morocco had argued that Senegal’s conduct warranted sanctions severe enough to affect the outcome of the competition.

While rejecting the protest, CAF imposed heavy disciplinary sanctions on both football associations and several individuals involved in the incident, citing violations of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

Senegal’s head coach, Pape Bouna Thiaw, was suspended for five CAF matches and fined 100,000 dollars for unsporting conduct and bringing the game into disrepute.

Senegalese players Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each handed two-match suspensions for unsporting behaviour toward the referee.

The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football was fined a total of 615,000 dollars. This included 300,000 dollars for the improper conduct of its supporters, another 300,000 dollars for unsporting behaviour by players and technical staff, and 15,000 dollars for disciplinary infractions after five players were booked during the match.

Morocco was also sanctioned. Defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension, with one match suspended for one year. Midfielder Ismaël Saibari was banned for three CAF matches and fined 100,000 dollars.

CAF fined the Royal Moroccan Football Federation 200,000 dollars for the inappropriate behaviour of ball boys during the final.

An additional 100,000-dollar fine was imposed for the invasion of the VAR review area by Moroccan players and officials, which obstructed the referee’s work.

Moroccan supporters were also cited for the use of lasers, attracting a further 15,000-dollar fine.

CAF said the sanctions were necessary to uphold the principles of fair play, integrity and loyalty, stressing that the misconduct witnessed during the final brought the game into disrepute.

Despite the disciplinary measures, the governing body made clear that the actions did not justify altering the match result.

The rejection of Morocco’s protest brings final closure to the controversy surrounding the AFCON 2025 final and confirms Senegal as Africa’s champions.