The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed heavy disciplinary sanctions on Senegal and Morocco following incidents that marred the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In a statement issued after reviewing reports from match officials and disciplinary bodies, CAF said the sanctions were for breaches of its Disciplinary Code, including violations of fair play, loyalty and integrity during and after the final.
Sanctions on Senegal
Senegal’s head coach, Pape Thiaw, was suspended for five official CAF matches and fined $100,000 for unsporting conduct and bringing the game into disrepute.
The Senegalese Football Federation was fined a total of $615,000, comprising:
- $300,000 for improper conduct of supporters,
- $300,000 for unsporting behavior by players and technical staff, and
- $15,000 for team misconduct following five cautions received by players.
Two Senegalese players were also punished:
- Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye received a two-match suspension for unsporting behavior towards the referee.
- Ismaila Sarr was similarly suspended for two official CAF matches for unsporting conduct towards the referee.
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Sanctions on Morocco
CAF also handed down penalties to Moroccan players and officials.
- Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two official CAF matches, with one match suspended for a probationary period of one year, for unsporting behavior.
- Ismaël Saibari was suspended for three official CAF matches and fined $100,000 for unsporting conduct.
The Moroccan Football Federation was fined a total of $315,000, broken down as follows:
- $200,000 for inappropriate behavior of stadium ball boys,
- $100,000 for improper conduct by players and technical staff who invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee, and
- $15,000 for the use of laser devices by Moroccan supporters.
CAF further confirmed that it had rejected Morocco’s protest against Senegal, which alleged regulatory breaches during the final, ruling that the claims were without merit.
The continental body reiterated its commitment to upholding discipline and respect for officials, stressing that misconduct at major tournaments would continue to attract strict sanctions.
