CAF Sanctions Morocco and Senegal Following AFCON 2025 Final Incidents
By TUW
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a series of disciplinary sanctions on Morocco and Senegal after incidents that occurred during and after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, which was marred by controversy and unsporting conduct. Senegal won the final by a single goal scored in extra time, after Morocco missed a decisive penalty in the 95th minute that could have secured them victory.
The decisions were taken by the CAF Disciplinary Board after reviewing official reports related to player behaviour, technical staff conduct, supporter actions, and disruptions to match officials during the final.
Sanctions Against Morocco
Several Moroccan players and the national football federation were penalised for breaches of CAF’s Disciplinary Code.
Achraf Hakimi has been suspended for two official CAF matches, with one match suspended for a probationary period of one year, after being found guilty of unsporting behaviour.
Midfielder Ismaël Saibari received a three-match suspension and was fined USD 100,000 for similar misconduct.
CAF also imposed multiple financial penalties on the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF):
- USD 200,000 for the inappropriate behaviour of ball boys during the final.
- USD 100,000 for improper conduct by players and technical staff who invaded the VAR review area and interfered with the referee’s duties.
- USD 15,000 for the use of laser devices by Moroccan supporters during the match.
Sanctions Against Senegal
CAF also issued strong sanctions against Senegal, targeting both individuals and the national federation.
Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has been suspended for five official CAF matches and fined USD 100,000 for unsporting conduct, violating principles of fair play and integrity, and for bringing the game into disrepute.
Players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each handed two-match suspensions for unsporting behaviour directed at match officials.
The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) was fined a total of USD 615,000, broken down as follows:
- USD 300,000 for improper conduct by supporters.
- USD 300,000 for unsporting conduct by players and technical staff.
- USD 15,000 for team misconduct after five Senegalese players received cautions during the match.
Protest Rejected
CAF further confirmed that it rejected a formal protest lodged by the FRMF, which alleged regulatory violations by the FSF under Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations. The Disciplinary Board ruled that the complaint lacked sufficient grounds, thereby upholding the result of the final.
The governing body said the sanctions reflect its commitment to enforcing discipline, protecting match officials, and maintaining the integrity of African football. CAF reiterated that unsporting behaviour at any level whether by players, officials, or supporters — will not be tolerated, particularly on the continent’s biggest stage.
The AFCON 2025 final will be remembered not only for the footballing contest but also as a case study in CAF’s efforts to reinforce discipline and accountability across African competitions.
