The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed heavy sanctions on the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), as well as several players and officials, following incidents that marred the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat.
In a statement published on its official website on Wednesday night, CAF said the penalties were handed down by its Disciplinary Board for breaches of the CAF Disciplinary Code, including violations of the principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity, during and after the final match.
Senegal Hit With Major Sanctions
CAF suspended Senegal head coach, Pape Bouna Thiaw, for five official CAF matches for what it described as “unsporting conduct” and “bringing the game into disrepute.”
“Mr Pape Bouna Thiaw was also fined USD 100,000,” CAF stated.
Two Senegalese players were also sanctioned for misconduct towards match officials.
Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each suspended for two official CAF matches for unsporting behaviour towards the referee.
The Senegalese Football Federation was further fined heavily for multiple infractions. CAF imposed a USD 300,000 fine on the FSF for the improper conduct of its supporters, which it said brought the game into disrepute.
An additional USD 300,000 fine was issued for the unsporting conduct of Senegal’s players and technical staff.
“The unsporting conduct of their players and the technical staff also brought the game into disrepute,” the statement read.
CAF also fined the FSF USD 15,000 after five Senegalese players received cautions during the match.
Morocco Also Penalised
On the Moroccan side, CAF suspended national team defender Achraf Hakimi for two official CAF matches, with one of the suspensions suspended for one year from the date of the decision, for unsporting behaviour.
Midfielder Ismaël Saibari received a three-match suspension and a USD 100,000 fine for unsporting conduct.
The FRMF was fined USD 200,000 for the inappropriate behaviour of stadium ball boys during the final, while an additional USD 100,000 fine was imposed for the conduct of Moroccan players and technical staff, who invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee’s work.
CAF also issued a USD 15,000 fine against the Moroccan federation for the use of laser pointers by supporters during the match.
Final Descended Into Chaos
The AFCON final, held at the Stade Mohammed V in Rabat on January 18, 2026, descended into chaos in the closing stages of regulation time.
With the score at 0–0, Senegal had a goal disallowed for offside. Moments later, following a VAR review, host nation Morocco were awarded a penalty in the eighth minute of added time.
Angered by the decision, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw led his players off the pitch in protest, prompting chaotic scenes that required security intervention. After a delay, the Senegalese team returned to the field.
Morocco’s penalty was subsequently saved by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, forcing the match into extra time. Senegal eventually sealed victory when Pape Gueye scored in the fourth minute of the first half of extra time to secure the AFCON title.
At the time, both CAF President and FIFA President Gianni Infantino publicly condemned the conduct witnessed during the final.
CAF Rejects Morocco’s Protest
CAF also ruled on a protest filed by the FRMF alleging violations of Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations by the FSF.
“The CAF Disciplinary Board rejected the protest lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football regarding alleged violations by the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations,” CAF said.
The governing body confirmed that the protest had no impact on the outcome of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final, reaffirming Senegal as champions.
