Senegal and Morocco players clash during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final football match between Senegal and Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP)
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has officially announced its intention to appeal a series of heavy financial penalties and suspensions totaling $415,000. These sanctions, handed down by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), stem from various disturbances during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco.
While Senegal secured the continental title with a 1-0 victory in extra time, both competing nations faced disciplinary action for the chaotic scenes that marred the championship match.
A significant portion of the fine relates to a bizarre confrontation involving ball boys and Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. CAF officials imposed a $200,000 penalty on the host nation after the stadium assistants attempted to seize a towel from the veteran shot-stopper during play. In addition to the collective fine, Atlas Lions midfielder Ismael Saibari received individual sanctions. Despite the severity of the ruling, the Senegalese Football Federation has indicated it will accept the governing body’s judgment without a fight.
The Moroccan leadership expressed deep dissatisfaction with the verdict, arguing that the disciplinary committee failed to apply a balanced judgment relative to the actual events on the pitch. The federation maintains that while minor incidents occurred, the financial burden and the match bans imposed on key personnel exceed the standard disciplinary protocols for such infractions. This legal challenge seeks to reduce the financial liability and overturn player suspensions before the upcoming World Cup qualifying window.
Questioning the objectivity of the ruling, the Moroccan football federation released a formal statement on Tuesday:
“In light of the mismatch between these sanctions and the scale and seriousness of the events, the FRMF has decided to challenge these decisions.”
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