The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed out heavy sanctions to Senegal, Morocco, and several players and officials following chaotic scenes during and after the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In a statement released on its official website on Wednesday night, CAF said its Disciplinary Board took the decisions after reviewing reports and evidence from the final match. The sanctions were based on violations of the CAF Disciplinary Code, including breaches of fair play, loyalty, and integrity.
The AFCON 2025 final was played on January 18, 2026, at the Stade Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco. The match between defending champions Senegal and host nation Morocco ended in controversy, protests, and delays before Senegal eventually won the title in extra time.
CAF said the conduct of players, coaches, officials, and supporters from both teams brought the game into disrepute and forced the football body to act.
Senegal received the heaviest punishment, with fines running into hundreds of thousands of dollars and suspensions for key members of the team.
CAF suspended Senegal’s head coach, Pape Bouna Thiaw, for five official CAF matches. The football body said the suspension was for “unsporting conduct” and for “bringing the game into disrepute.”
In addition to the suspension, Thiaw was fined 100,000 US dollars.
CAF also suspended two Senegalese players for their actions during the final. Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye was banned for two official CAF matches for unsporting behaviour towards the referee. Ismaila Sarr was also handed a two-match suspension for similar conduct towards match officials.
The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) was also fined heavily. CAF fined the federation 300,000 dollars for the improper conduct of its supporters during the match. According to CAF, the behaviour of the fans violated principles of fair play and integrity.
Another fine of 300,000 dollars was imposed on the FSF for the unsporting conduct of its players and technical staff. CAF said the actions of the team officials and players also brought the game into disrepute.
In addition, the Senegalese federation was fined 15,000 dollars after five of its players received yellow cards during the match, which CAF described as misconduct by the team.
CAF also punished Morocco and members of its national team, though the fines were lower compared to those imposed on Senegal.
Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two official CAF matches for unsporting behaviour. However, CAF said one of the two matches would be suspended for one year from the date of the decision, meaning Hakimi will miss one match immediately unless he commits another offence within the suspension period.
Midfielder Ismaël Saibari received a three-match suspension and was fined 100,000 dollars for unsporting behaviour during the final.
The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) was fined 200,000 dollars for the inappropriate behaviour of stadium ball boys. CAF said their actions during the match affected the flow of the game and went against competition rules.
CAF also fined the Moroccan federation 100,000 dollars for the improper conduct of its players and technical staff. According to the ruling, Moroccan officials invaded the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review area and interfered with the referee’s work during a critical moment in the match.
An additional fine of 15,000 dollars was imposed on the FRMF for the use of laser pointers by Moroccan supporters in the stadium, an act banned by CAF regulations due to safety concerns.
The AFCON 2025 final was tense from start to finish, but the biggest controversy came in the closing moments of regular time.
With the score still 0-0, Senegal appeared to have scored a late goal, only for it to be ruled offside. Moments later, after a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty to Morocco in the eighth minute of added time.
The decision angered the Senegalese players and officials. In protest, head coach Pape Thiaw led his players off the pitch, causing confusion and wild scenes inside the stadium. Security officials had to step in as the delay stretched on.
After several minutes, Senegal returned to the field following discussions with match officials and CAF representatives. Morocco’s penalty was eventually taken, but Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy saved the shot, keeping the scores level and sending the match into extra time.
In the first half of extra time, midfielder Pape Gueye scored the winning goal for Senegal in the fourth minute, sealing a dramatic victory and giving Senegal another AFCON title.
Despite the football success, the scenes surrounding the match drew criticism from fans, officials, and football authorities.
Both CAF and FIFA condemned the behaviour witnessed during the final. FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the scenes as unacceptable and stressed the need for respect for match officials and competition rules.
CAF said the sanctions were necessary to protect the image of African football and to send a clear message that misconduct would not be tolerated, especially on the biggest stage of the continent’s game.
The football body said the AFCON final should represent unity, respect, and fair competition, not protests, disorder, and intimidation.
CAF also ruled on a formal protest submitted by the Moroccan Football Federation. The protest accused Senegal of violating Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations during the final.
However, CAF said the Disciplinary Board rejected the protest after careful review.
“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,” the statement said.
This decision confirmed Senegal as the rightful winner of the TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 tournament.
The sanctions are expected to affect both teams in future CAF competitions, including World Cup qualifiers and continental tournaments. Senegal will have to cope without its head coach for five CAF matches, while key players from both teams will miss upcoming games.
For Morocco, the fines and suspensions are a setback after hosting a tournament that was largely praised for organisation and fan support.
For Senegal, the title victory has been overshadowed by the heavy penalties, raising questions about discipline and leadership at the highest level.
As African football continues to grow in global attention, CAF has made it clear that discipline, respect for officials, and fair play remain non-negotiable, no matter how high the stakes.
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