Overview
- Fifty‑eight days after the chaotic Rabat final, CAF’s appeals body overturned Senegal’s 1–0 extra‑time win and recorded a 3–0 forfeit for Morocco.
- The ruling cites Senegal’s brief walk‑off following a late VAR penalty, even though play later resumed and Morocco’s Brahim Díaz missed before Pape Gueye scored in extra time.
- Senegal’s federation called the decision unjust and will file at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, with officials vowing not to hand over the trophy pending the case.
- CAF adjusted sanctions by keeping most penalties against Senegal while reducing several fines and suspensions for Morocco, including a major cut tied to ballboy misconduct.
- The decision has fueled a wider dispute over competition rules versus referees’ on‑field authority, as Law 5 grants officials final say on match outcomes.