CAF Issues Suspensions and Heavy Fines to Senegal and Morocco After AFCON 2025 Final Controversy

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board has imposed significant sanctions on the football federations of Senegal and Morocco, along with several players and officials, following a series of incidents during and after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

In decisions announced on Wednesday, CAF cited violations of its Disciplinary Code, including breaches of fair play, loyalty, and integrity during the tense final held on January 18, 2026, in Rabat.

Sanctions Against Senegal:

*   Head Coach Pape Bouna Thiaw: Suspended for five official CAF matches and fined $100,000 for unsporting conduct and bringing the game into disrepute.

*   Players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr: Each suspended for two official CAF matches for unsporting behavior toward match officials.

*   Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF):

    *   Fined $300,000 for improper conduct of supporters.

    *   Fined an additional $300,000 for the unsporting conduct of players and technical staff.

    *   Fined $15,000 for team misconduct after five players received yellow cards.

Sanctions Against Morocco:

*   Defender Achraf Hakimi: Suspended for two official CAF matches (with one match suspended for one year) for unsporting behavior.

*   Midfielder Ismaël Saibari: Suspended for three official CAF matches and fined $100,000.

*   Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF):

    *   Fined $200,000 for the inappropriate behavior of stadium ball boys.

    *   Fined $100,000 for players and staff invading the VAR review area and obstructing the referee.

    *   Fined $15,000 for supporters' use of laser pointers during the match.

CAF also dismissed a formal protest lodged by the Moroccan federation against Senegal for alleged regulatory violations.

Match Background:

The final, which Senegal won 1-0 in extra time, was marred by chaotic scenes late in regular time. After a Senegal goal was disallowed for offside and a VAR-awarded penalty was given to Morocco in added time, Senegal's coach, Pape Thiaw, led his team off the pitch in protest. The match was delayed until security and officials persuaded the team to return. Morocco's resulting penalty was saved, sending the game to extra time where Pape Gueye scored the winner.

The conduct during the match was condemned at the time by both CAF and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.