The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a series of sanctions on the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football and the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football, as well as several players and officials, following incidents during the 2025 African Cup of Nations final.
In a statement published on its website on Wednesday night, CAF said the sanctions were handed down for violations of the CAF Disciplinary Code, including breaches of the principles of fair play, loyalty, and integrity, during and after the final match.
As part of the decision against Senegal, CAF suspended Senegalese national team head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw for five official CAF matches for “unsporting conduct” and “bringing the game into disrepute.”
“Mr. Pape Bouna Thiaw was also fined USD 100,000,” the statement read.
CAF also decided to “suspend the Senegalese national team player, Mr. Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye, for two (2) official CAF matches for his unsporting behavior towards the referee.
“To suspend Senegalese national team player Mr. Ismaila Sarr for two (2) official CAF matches for his unsporting behavior towards the referee.
“To fine the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) USD 300,000 for the improper conduct of its supporters, which brought the game into disrepute in violation of the CAF Disciplinary Code principles of fair play and integrity.
“To fine the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) USD 300,000 for the unsporting conduct of their players and technical staff in violation of the CAF Disciplinary Code principles of fair play, loyalty, and integrity. The unsporting conduct of their players and the technical staff also brought the game into disrepute.
“To fine the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), USD 15,000 for the misconduct of its national team, due to five (5) of its players having received cautions.”
Regarding Morocco, CAF punished national team defender Achraf Hakimi for two official CAF matches, one of which was suspended for one year from the date of the decision, for unsporting behavior.
Ismaël Saibari, a midfielder, was suspended for three CAF matches and fined $100,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct.
The FRMF was fined $200,000 for the aggressive attitude of stadium ball guys during the final.
CAF also fined the Moroccan federation $100,000 for the improper conduct of its players and technical personnel, who stormed the VAR review area and disrupted the referee’s work.
Moroccan supporters’ usage of lasers during the match resulted in an additional $15,000 fine.
The final, which took place on January 18, 2026, at Rabat’s Stade Mohammed V, devolved into chaos in the last stages of regular time.
With the score equal at 0-0, Senegal’s goal was disallowed for offside, followed by a VAR review that awarded host Morocco a penalty in the eighth minute of additional time.
Unsatisfied, Senegal’s head coach, Pape Thiaw, took his players off the pitch in protest, causing chaos and forcing security to intervene.
Following a delay, the Senegalese squad was convinced to return. Morocco’s penalty was saved by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, forcing extra time.
Senegal’s AFCON victory was secured when midfielder Pape Gueye scored the game-winning goal in the fourth minute of extra time.
At the time, both the CAF and FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, criticized the actions.
Meanwhile, Afrcan football governing body ruled on a protest filed by the FRMF about alleged infringement of Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations by the FSF.
“The CAF Disciplinary Board rejected the protest lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football regarding alleged violations by the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, relating to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final,” the statement added.
