CAF Imposes Heavy Sanctions on Morocco and Senegal After Chaotic AFCON 2025 Final
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed wide-ranging disciplinary sanctions on Morocco and Senegal in the aftermath of incidents that overshadowed the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The governing body announced the decisions in an official statement published on its website, following a review by its Disciplinary Board of multiple violations committed during and after the highly charged final match.
According to CAF, the sanctions were issued in line with the CAF Disciplinary Code after investigators examined reports from match officials, disciplinary observers, and other relevant parties. The body noted that the measures were necessary to address unsporting behaviour, crowd misconduct, and actions deemed damaging to the image of African football.
Morocco was among the hardest hit, with several players and the country’s football federation receiving penalties. Star defender Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two official CAF matches, although one of the matches was suspended for a probationary period of one year. CAF stated that the sanction followed findings of unsporting behaviour during the final.
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Midfielder Ismaël Saibari received a more severe punishment, with CAF imposing a three-match suspension alongside a fine of USD 100,000 for misconduct. The disciplinary body ruled that his actions during the final constituted a serious breach of the regulations governing player conduct.
In addition to individual sanctions, the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) was fined a cumulative total of USD 315,000 for multiple infractions. CAF imposed a USD 200,000 fine for the inappropriate conduct of stadium ball boys, which it said contributed to disorder during the match. A further USD 100,000 fine was levied for the improper behaviour of Moroccan players and technical staff, who were found to have invaded the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review area and interfered with the referee’s duties, contrary to Articles 82 and 83 of the CAF Disciplinary Code. An additional USD 15,000 fine was issued over the use of laser pointers by Moroccan supporters inside the stadium.
CAF also disclosed that it had rejected a formal protest submitted by the FRMF, which accused the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) of violating Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations. The Disciplinary Board ruled that the protest did not meet the required standards for consideration.
Senegal, despite emerging as AFCON 2025 champions, was not spared from sanctions. The head coach of the Senegalese national team, Pape Bouna Thiaw, was suspended for five official CAF matches and fined USD 100,000 for unsporting behaviour. CAF stated that the sanction reflected the seriousness of the conduct attributed to the coaching staff during the final.
Two Senegalese players, Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, were each suspended for two official CAF matches for unsporting conduct directed at match officials. CAF emphasized that respect for referees and match officials remains a fundamental requirement under its regulations.
The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) was fined a total of USD 615,000, making it the largest financial penalty issued in relation to the final. The fines included USD 300,000 for the improper conduct of Senegalese supporters, which CAF said brought the game into disrepute, another USD 300,000 for unsporting behaviour by players and technical staff deemed damaging to football’s image, and USD 15,000 for team misconduct following cautions issued to five Senegalese players.
In its statement, CAF stressed that the sanctions were intended to reinforce discipline and accountability, particularly during flagship competitions such as the Africa Cup of Nations. The body reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of African football and ensuring that all participants—players, officials, and supporters alike—adhere strictly to established rules and standards of conduct.