CAF Sanctions Senegal, Morocco Over AFCON Final Chaos
By Wellington Jopelo
The Confederation of African Football has imposed heavy sanctions on Senegal and Morocco following chaotic scenes that marred the AFCON 2025 final, handing suspensions to key players and officials while slapping both football federations with substantial fines.
In its disciplinary ruling, CAF suspended Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw for five official matches and fined him $100,000 for unsporting conduct. Several Senegalese players were also banned for two matches each, while the Senegalese Football Federation was fined more than $600,000 for player misconduct and the behaviour of supporters during the final.
On the Moroccan side, star defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension, with one of the matches suspended on probation, while midfielder Ismaël Saibari was handed a three-match ban and a $100,000 fine. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation was fined $315,000 for multiple violations linked to the match.
CAF said the sanctions followed breaches of disciplinary regulations during and after the final, stressing that the actions of players, technical officials and supporters fell short of the standards expected at Africa’s flagship football tournament.
The disciplinary issues stemmed largely from late-match incidents that sparked protests, heightened tensions on the pitch and confrontations involving players, coaching staff and match officials. The situation escalated as emotions boiled over following key officiating decisions.
CAF noted that Senegal’s technical crew failed to exercise restraint, while some players directed unsporting behaviour toward match officials, actions the body said undermined respect for the game and its laws.
Morocco was found guilty of several infractions, including improper conduct by players and team officials, interference around match review areas and unacceptable actions by ball attendants and supporters during critical moments of the game.
The continental body also dismissed post-match complaints filed after the final, maintaining that the outcome of the match stands and that disciplinary measures were the appropriate response to the violations identified.
CAF said the sanctions are intended to serve as a deterrent, reinforcing discipline, respect for officials and adherence to regulations at all levels of African football.
The ruling brings closure to one of the most controversial AFCON finals in recent history, even as both nations now face the sporting consequences of suspensions and fines ahead of upcoming continental competitions.