CAF descends heavily on Senegal, Morocco after chaotic AFCON 2025 final

CAF descends heavily on Senegal, Morocco after chaotic AFCON 2025 final

... Suspends Senegal coach, Hakimi

. Imposes heavy fines FAs, coaches 

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a series of suspensions and financial penalties on Senegal and Morocco following disciplinary breaches during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 final.

CAF’s Disciplinary Board said the sanctions were issued after incidents during and after the match were found to have violated the CAF Disciplinary Code, including principles of fair play and integrity.

Senegal were handed the heaviest penalties. Head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw was suspended for five official CAF matches and fined 100,000 US dollars for unsporting conduct, with CAF stating that his actions brought the game into disrepute.

Two Senegal players, Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each suspended for two CAF matches for unsporting behaviour towards the referee.

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) was also fined a total of 615,000 US dollars. CAF cited the improper conduct of supporters, unsporting behaviour by players and technical staff, and misconduct linked to the team receiving five yellow cards during the final.

Morocco were also sanctioned following incidents involving players, officials and supporters.

Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two CAF matches, with one of those bans suspended for a year, while Ismaël Saibari received a three-match suspension and a 100,000 US dollar fine for unsporting behaviour.

CAF fined the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) 200,000 US dollars for the conduct of ball boys during the match, and a further 100,000 US dollars after players and officials were found to have invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee’s work.

An additional 15,000 US dollar fine was imposed for the use of lasers by Moroccan supporters inside the stadium.

CAF also confirmed that a protest lodged by Morocco, alleging regulatory violations by Senegal during the final, had been rejected after review.

The governing body said the decisions underlined its commitment to upholding discipline, integrity and respect for match officials at its competitions.