The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a series of heavy sanctions on the Senegalese and Moroccan football federations, as well as several players and officials, following incidents that marred the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 final.
In decisions announced by its Disciplinary Board, CAF ruled that actions during and after the final violated multiple provisions of the CAF Disciplinary Code, including principles of fair play, integrity and conduct bringing the game into disrepute.
The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) bore the heaviest sanctions, with CAF imposing punishments on both individuals and the federation.
CAF suspended Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw from five official CAF matches for what it described as unsporting conduct in violation of the principles of fair play and integrity, adding that his actions brought the game into disrepute. He was also fined USD 100,000.
Two Senegalese players were also sanctioned for their conduct towards match officials.
Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each suspended for two official CAF matches for unsporting behaviour towards the referee.
At federation level, CAF fined the FSF USD 300,000 for the improper conduct of its supporters, stating that their actions violated disciplinary principles and brought the game into disrepute.
An additional USD 300,000 fine was imposed on the FSF for the unsporting conduct of its players and technical staff, which CAF said breached principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity.
The Senegalese federation was further fined USD 15,000 for team misconduct after five players were cautioned during the match.
Morocco Sanctioned Over Player Conduct, VAR Invasion and Supporter Behaviour
The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) was also penalised for incidents involving players, officials and supporters.
Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match CAF suspension, with one match suspended for a period of one year, for unsporting behaviour.
Midfielder Ismaël Saibari was handed a three-match suspension for unsporting behaviour and fined USD 100,000.
CAF also fined the FRMF USD 200,000 for what it described as the inappropriate behaviour of the stadiumâs ball boysduring the final.
An additional USD 100,000 fine was imposed after Moroccan players and members of the technical staff invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the refereeâs work, an act CAF said violated Articles 82 and 83 of the Disciplinary Code relating to fair play and integrity.
The Moroccan federation was further fined USD 15,000 for the use of laser devices by supporters during the match.
CAF also ruled on a formal protest submitted by the FRMF, which alleged that Senegal violated Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations during the final.
The Disciplinary Board rejected the protest in its entirety, ruling that the claims against the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football were not upheld in relation to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final.
Boluwatife Enome
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