CAF slams heavy suspensions and fines on Senegal and Morocco over AFCON 2025 final chaos

Morocco and Senegal players confront each other during the Afcon finals/SCREENGRAB

CAF has imposed a series of significant disciplinary sanctions on both the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) and the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) after serious incidents during the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final.

The decisions, announced on January 28, 2026, responded to breaches of the CAF Disciplinary Code that marred the high-stakes continental decider.

While Senegal remains officially crowned AFCON 2025 champions, the governing body delivered a firm message against unsporting conduct by issuing suspensions and fines affecting coaches, players, technical staff, and even supporters involved in the final.

Among the toughest sanctions was a five-match suspension handed to Senegal’s head coach, Pape Bouna Thiaw, for conduct deemed to violate principles of fair play and integrity and for bringing the game into disrepute. Thiaw was also fined USD 100,000.

Two Senegalese national team players—Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr—were each suspended for two official CAF matches for unsporting behaviour toward the referee during the final.

The Senegal Football Federation itself has been hit with heavy financial penalties totaling USD 615,000. This included USD 300,000 for improper conduct by supporters, USD 300,000 for unsporting conduct by players and technical staff, and USD 15,000 for team misconduct, assessed after five players received cautions.

On the Moroccan side, CAF also handed out sanctions. Defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension, with one match suspended for one year from the date of the decision, for unsporting behaviour.

His teammate, Ismaël Saibari, was suspended for three official CAF matches and fined USD 100,000 for similar conduct.

The Morocco Football Federation has been fined a total of USD 315,000 for multiple offences, including: USD 200,000 for inappropriate behaviour by stadium ball boys, USD 100,000 for players and technical staff invading the VAR review area and obstructing the referee; USD 15,000 for the use of lasers by supporters.

CAF also rejected a protest lodged by Morocco alleging violations by Senegal under AFCON regulations, closing the matter without altering the match result. Morocco cited Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations.

Article 82 says: If, for any reason whatsoever, a team withdraws from the competition or does not report for a match, or refuses to play, or leaves the ground before the regular end of the match without the authorisation of the referee, it shall be considered a loser and shall be eliminated for good from the current competition. The same shall apply for the teams previously disqualified by decision of CAF.

Article 83: A team that shall not be present on the ground, dressed to play at the time fixed for kick-off or at most 15 minutes later, shall forfeit the match. The referee shall register the absence of the team and shall write it in his report. The Organizing Committee shall take the final decision in this respect.

Article 84 reads: The team that contravenes the provisions of articles 82 and 83 shall be eliminated for good from the competition. This team will lose its match by 3-0 unless the opponent has scored a more advantageous result at the time when the match was interrupted; in this case, this score will be maintained. The Organizing Committee may adopt further measures.

The disciplinary action follows a controversial final in Rabat that saw heightened tensions, including Senegal briefly leaving the pitch in protest after a disallowed goal before ultimately winning 1–0 in extra time.

The final was overshadowed when they temporarily refused to play after the hosts were awarded a stoppage-time penalty with the match goalless.

Referee Jean Jacques Ndala gave the spot-kick in the 98th minute after being advised by the video assistant referee (VAR) to consult the pitchside monitor and review defender El Hadji Malick Diouf's challenge on Brahim Diaz.

Amid sensational scenes, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw, still incensed by Ndala's decision moments earlier to disallow a Senegal goal, ushered his team off the field.

Former Liverpool striker Sadio Mane stayed on the pitch and tried to encourage his Senegal teammates to finish the game.

Following a delay of around 17 minutes, the players did eventually return.

Real Madrid forward Diaz, the tournament's top scorer with five goals, was trusted with the penalty, but his tame 'Panenka' effort was caught by Senegal keeper Edouard Mendy, who barely had to move, and Ndala immediately blew his whistle for full-time.

Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye then scored the winning goal in the fourth minute of extra time to seal a second triumph in five years for the Lions.

Earlier in the week, Senegal’s Prime Minister described the incidents as “deplorable” and “painful,” reflecting political as well as sporting sensitivity after the match.