The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued far-reaching disciplinary penalties against Morocco and Senegal following a series of incidents that overshadowed the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In an official statement released on its website, CAF confirmed that its Disciplinary Board reviewed several breaches of the CAF Disciplinary Code that occurred during and after the final match. The rulings affected players, coaches, and both national football federations.
Sanctions Against Morocco
CAF imposed multiple punishments on Moroccan players and the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).
Star defender Achraf Hakimi was handed a two-match suspension from official CAF competitions, although one of those matches has been suspended for a one-year probation period after he was found guilty of unsporting conduct.
Midfielder Ismaël Saibari received a more severe penalty, with a three-match suspension and a fine of USD 100,000 for misconduct related to the final.
The Moroccan Football Federation was also fined a combined total of USD 315,000 for various infractions. This included USD 200,000 for inappropriate actions by stadium ball boys, USD 100,000 for the behaviour of players and technical staff who encroached on the VAR review area and disrupted the referee, and USD 15,000 for the use of laser pointers by Moroccan supporters.
CAF also revealed that it dismissed a formal protest submitted by the FRMF, which accused the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) of regulatory violations during the match.
Sanctions Against Senegal
Senegal was not spared, as CAF imposed equally firm measures on its team officials, players, and federation.
Head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw was suspended for five official CAF matches and fined USD 100,000 after being found guilty of unsporting behaviour.
Players Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each banned for two CAF matches due to misconduct directed at match officials.
Additionally, the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football was fined a total of USD 615,000. The breakdown includes USD 300,000 for the behaviour of Senegalese supporters, which CAF said damaged the reputation of the game, another USD 300,000 for unsporting actions by players and technical staff, and USD 15,000 for team misconduct after five Senegalese players were booked during the match.
CAF’s Position
CAF emphasized that these sanctions are intended to reinforce discipline, protect match officials, and preserve the integrity of African football. The governing body stressed that maintaining respect and order is especially critical during flagship tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations.
