Additionally, CAS has reduced a fine imposed on the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) from $1 million (£673,000/€919,000) to $50,000 (£34,000/€46,000).

CAF had also ordered the FRMF to pay $9 million (£6.1 million/€8.3 million) in damages, which CAS said "may be examined by another jurisdiction".

FRMF vice-president Nourredine Bouchhati said the CAS decision was "excellent news" after winning back the right to contest the continental tournament in 2017 and 2019. 

"It puts an end for now to this conflict with CAF, with which we will continue to work with normally,'' he told local media.

"Now we will meet with national coach Baddou Zaki to begin our programme of preparations."

Ivory Coast won the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, which was held in Equatorial Guinea after Morocco's withdrawal as hosts ©Getty Images




The Moroccan Government had demanded that the 16-team tournament was delayed until June over fears that fans from the region worst affected by the Ebola virus, West Africa, may travel to the country.

But after CAF refused to re-schedule the tournament from the traditional January/February dates, Morocco announced in November they would not be staging it.

Equatorial Guinea was promptly chosen as a replacement and Ivory Coast went on to win the competition, beating Ghana in the final.

Algeria, Gabon and Ghana are all in the running to host the 2017 tournament with CAF set to announce a winner on April 8.

Libya had been due to host the finals but withdrew in August due to ongoing political instability in the country. 

Egypt were also in contention but abandoned its bid in February for reasons not detailed. 

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