CAF imposes sanctions on Senegal, Morocco over AFCON final misconduct

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed heavy sanctions on Senegal and Morocco following disciplinary breaches during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.

In decisions announced by the CAF Disciplinary Board on Thursday, several players, officials, and the two national football federations were punished for unsporting conduct, improper behavior, and actions deemed to have brought the game into disrepute.

Senegal suffered the stiffest sanctions, with head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw suspended for five matches and fined $100,000 for conduct CAF said violated principles of fair play, integrity and sportsmanship.

Two Senegalese players, Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, were each handed two-match suspensions for unsporting behaviour towards match officials.

CAF also fined the Senegal Football Federation (FSF) $300,000 for the misconduct of its supporters and another $300,000 for the unsporting actions of its players and technical staff. An additional $15,000 fine was imposed after five Senegalese players received yellow cards during the final.

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Morocco were not spared, as Achraf Hakimi received a two-match CAF suspension, with one match suspended for one year, for unsporting conduct. Ismael Saibari was banned for three CAF matches and fined $100,000.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was fined $200,000 over the inappropriate behaviour of ball boys during the final.

CAF also imposed a $100,000 fine after Moroccan players and officials invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee, while an additional $15,000 fine was issued for the use of lasers by supporters.

CAF confirmed that it dismissed a protest filed by the FRMF alleging that Senegal breached Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations. The Disciplinary Board ruled that the claims were unfounded.

The AFCON final was marred by most of the Senegalese players walking off the pitch when deep into injury time of normal play.

With the match all square at 0-0, Morocco were awarded a spot-kick following a VAR check for a challenge on Brahim Diaz.

Senegal’s former Liverpool star Sadio Mane remained on the pitch and urged his teammates to come back onto the pitch for the penalty.

They were already furious at having a goal disallowed at the other end for a soft-looking foul minutes earlier.

Meanwhile, trouble broke out in the stands as some Senegalese fans tried to enter the field of play and became involved in fighting with security personnel.

The game was held up for almost 20 minutes before Diaz could take the penalty, and his weak ‘panenka’ kick was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Pape Gueye then went on to score a brilliant goal in the fourth minute of extra time to give Senegal a 1-0 win.

The Star