Overview
- CAF’s Appeal Board ruled on March 17 that Senegal forfeited the January 18 final in Rabat, replacing the on‑field 1–0 Senegal win with a 3–0 result for Morocco.
- The panel invoked Articles 82 and 84, concluding Senegal’s temporary walk‑off after a late VAR‑awarded penalty constituted refusal to play under tournament regulations.
- The decision reverses January disciplinary findings that left the match outcome intact while issuing fines and suspensions to both federations and individuals.
- Disciplinary measures were modified: Ismaël Saibari’s ban was cut to two matches with one suspended and his $100,000 fine annulled; Morocco was fined $50,000 for ballboy conduct, $100,000 for OFR/VAR interference, and $10,000 for a laser incident.
- The Senegalese federation and national authorities denounced the ruling as unjust and said they will take the case to CAS, as players and fans voiced strong backlash.