The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board has released an official media statement following a decision on a protest related to the Africa Cup of Nations competition.
In a media statement released on 17 March 2026, CAF said the decision was taken in line with Article 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations after reviewing an appeal filed by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).
According to the statement, the Appeal Board ruled that the protest submitted by Morocco was valid and that the earlier decision by the CAF Disciplinary Board should be cancelled. The Board also found that the conduct of the Senegal national team fell under Articles 82 and 84 of the competition regulations.
CAF therefore declared that Senegal forfeited the final match, and the result was officially recorded as a 3–0 victory in favour of Morocco.
The Appeal Board also reviewed other incidents connected to the match, including disciplinary actions involving Morocco player Ismaël Saibari and behaviour by ball boys during the game. The Board reduced some sanctions and fines that had earlier been imposed.
CAF said all other requests made during the appeal were dismissed, bringing the case to a close.
The decision has drawn attention across African football, as the ruling changes the official outcome of one of the biggest matches in the continent’s football competition.
