The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board has issued a raft of sanctions against the Senegalese and Moroccan football federations, as well as several players and officials, following incidents that marred the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 final.
In its ruling, 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.
Senegal Hit With Major Suspensions and Fines
Senegal bore the brunt of the penalties, with national team head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw suspended for five official CAF matches due to unsporting conduct. CAF said the coach’s actions violated principles of integrity and fair play. He was also fined USD 100,000.
Two Senegalese players were also sanctioned for misconduct directed at match officials. Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each handed two-match suspensions.
CAF further fined the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) a total of USD 615,000, broken down as follows:
- USD 300,000 for the improper behaviour of Senegalese supporters
- USD 300,000 for unsporting conduct by players and technical staff
- USD 15,000 after five players received yellow cards during the match
CAF noted that the conduct of Senegal’s players, staff and supporters undermined the integrity of the final.
Morocco players and federation also sanctioned
The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) and several Moroccan players were also punished following incidents during the final.
Defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension, with one match suspended for a year, for unsporting behaviour. Midfielder Ismaël Saibari was banned for three CAF matches and fined USD 100,000.
CAF fined the Moroccan federation USD 315,000 for various offences, including:
- USD 200,000 for inappropriate conduct by ball boys
- USD 100,000 after players and officials invaded the VAR review area and interfered with the referee’s duties
- USD 15,000 for the use of laser pointers by supporters
CAF said the actions violated Articles 82 and 83 of the Disciplinary Code, which govern fair play and match integrity.
Morocco’s Protest Rejected
The Disciplinary Board also dismissed a formal protest lodged by Morocco against Senegal, which alleged breaches of Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations during the final.
CAF ruled that the protest lacked sufficient grounds and upheld the original match outcome.
The sanctions close a turbulent chapter in the AFCON Morocco 2025 tournament, with CAF reiterating its commitment to discipline, respect for match officials and the preservation of football’s integrity across the continent.
