The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has handed down heavy sanctions to the Senegalese and Moroccan football federations, as well as several players and officials, following chaotic scenes that overshadowed the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 final.
In a detailed ruling released by its Disciplinary Board, CAF found both teams guilty of breaching multiple provisions of the CAF Disciplinary Code, citing unsporting conduct, lack of fair play and actions that brought the game into disrepute. The governing body said the incidents undermined the integrity of the tournament’s showpiece match.
Senegal received the harshest penalties. National team head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw was suspended for five official CAF matches for unsporting conduct and fined USD 100,000. CAF said the coach’s behaviour violated fundamental principles of integrity and fair play expected at the highest level of African football.
The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) was also fined a total of USD 615,000. The breakdown includes USD 300,000 for the improper behaviour of Senegalese supporters, USD 300,000 for unsporting conduct by players and technical staff, and USD 15,000 after five Senegal players were booked during the final. CAF noted that the collective conduct of the team, staff and supporters contributed significantly to the disorder witnessed during the match.
In addition, two Senegalese players were sanctioned for misconduct directed at match officials. Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each handed two-match suspensions, further compounding Senegal’s disciplinary fallout from the final.
Morocco and its players were also punished following a series of incidents involving players, officials and match-day personnel. Defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension, with one of those matches suspended for a probationary period of one year, after being found guilty of unsporting behaviour. Midfielder Ismaël Saibari was handed a three-match ban and fined USD 100,000.
The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) was fined USD 315,000 for multiple violations. CAF imposed a USD 200,000 fine for inappropriate conduct by ball boys, USD 100,000 after players and officials invaded the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review area and interfered with match officials, and USD 15,000 for the use of laser pointers by supporters inside the stadium.
CAF said these actions violated Articles 82 and 83 of its Disciplinary Code, which relate to fair play, respect for match officials and the preservation of match integrity.
The Disciplinary Board also dismissed a formal protest lodged by Morocco against Senegal, which alleged breaches of Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations during the final. CAF ruled that the protest lacked sufficient legal grounds and upheld the original result of the match.
The sanctions bring to a close a turbulent chapter of the AFCON Morocco 2025 tournament. CAF reiterated its commitment to enforcing discipline, protecting referees and officials, and ensuring that African football competitions are conducted in an atmosphere of respect and sportsmanship.
