CAF SLAMS SENEGAL AND MOROCCO WITH HEAVY SANCTIONS AFTER AFCON FINAL CHAOS

By: Gyang Dakwo

The Confederation of African Football has handed down tough punishments to Senegal and Morocco after incidents that spoiled the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final.

In a statement, CAF said the decisions were taken to protect fair play, integrity, and respect for the game, and it added that the actions of players, officials, and supporters from both teams crossed acceptable limits.

Senegal received the heaviest sanctions. Head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw was suspended for five matches after CAF ruled that his conduct brought the game into disrepute, and he was also fined 100,000 dollars.

Two Senegalese players, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, were each banned for two official CAF matches for unsporting behaviour toward the referee.

CAF also imposed a 300,000 dollar fine on the Senegalese Football Federation for the improper conduct of supporters and another 300,000 dollars for the behaviour of players and technical staff. A further 15,000-dollar fine was added after five Senegal players were booked during the match.

Morocco was also punished, although the sanctions were lighter. Defender Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two CAF matches, but one of those suspensions was put on hold for one year. Midfielder Ismael Saibari received a three-match suspension and a 100,000 dollar fine for unsporting behaviour.

The Moroccan federation was fined 200,000 dollars for the conduct of ball boys during the final, and another 100,000 dollars for the actions of players and officials who entered the VAR area and interfered with the referee. CAF said this clearly violated its disciplinary rules. An extra 15,000-dollar fine was imposed for the use of lasers by supporters inside the stadium.

CAF also ruled on a protest filed by Morocco, accusing Senegal of violating competition rules. The Disciplinary Board rejected the protest and confirmed that the result of the final will stand.

CAF stated that the sanctions are a reminder that discipline and respect must be upheld at all times, especially on the biggest stage in African football.