Senegal’s Idrissa Gueye calls players to walk off the ptich. AP
The decision, which overturns an earlier ruling by the CAF Disciplinary Board, awards the hosts a 3-0 victory and their first continental title since 1976.
According to the CAF's official statement, the ruling was reached in application of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
The controversy dates back to the final held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on 18 January, with the score being tied at 0-0 in the 98th minute, Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review for a foul on Brahim Diaz.
In protest against the referee’s decision, the Senegalese players walked off the pitch under instructions from their head coach, Pape Thiaw.
The game was halted for approximately 17 minutes before Senegal eventually returned to the field.
Although Diaz missed the subsequent penalty and Senegal went on to win the match 1-0 in extra time, the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) lodged an immediate appeal.
"The CAF Appeal Board finds that the conduct of the Senegal team falls within the scope of Articles 82 and 84," the statement read. "The Senegal national team are declared to have forfeited the final match... with the result being recorded as 3-0 in favour of the FRMF."
Article 84 states that any team that refuses to play or leaves the ground before the regular end of a match without the referee's permission is considered to have lost and is eliminated from the competition.
The Appeal Board also addressed several disciplinary matters, as Moroccan midfielder Ismael Saibari saw his USD100,000 fine cancelled, though he remains hit with a two-match suspension (one suspended) for misconduct.
While Morocco have been crowned champions, the FRMF did not escape financial penalties entirely.
The board also confirmed a reduced fine of USD50,000 for the ball boys' incident, upheld a USD100,000 fine for interference in the VAR area, and reduced a laser-related fine to USD10,000
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