The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has handed down a series of disciplinary sanctions against the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), as well as several players and officials, following incidents that marred the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 final.
In a statement issued after a meeting of its Disciplinary Board, CAF said the actions during the final breached multiple provisions of the CAF Disciplinary Code, prompting fines, suspensions and the dismissal of a formal protest.
*Sanctions against Senegal*
CAF imposed the heaviest penalties on Senegal, including a lengthy suspension for head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw. The Senegalese coach was banned for five official CAF matches for unsporting conduct and for bringing the game into disrepute. He was also fined USD 100,000.
Two Senegal 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.
In addition, the FSF was fined a total of USD 615,000. This included a USD 300,000 fine for the improper conduct of Senegalese supporters, another USD 300,000 for the unsporting conduct of players and technical staff, and USD 15,000 for team misconduct after five players received cautions during the match.
*Sanctions against Morocco*
CAF also sanctioned the host nation, Morocco, for several incidents involving players, officials and supporters.
Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension for unsporting behaviour, although one of the matches has been suspended for a probationary period of one year. Midfielder Ismaël Saibari was handed a three-match suspension and fined USD 100,000 for unsporting conduct.
The FRMF was fined USD 315,000 in total. This included USD 200,000 for the inappropriate behaviour of stadium ball boys, USD 100,000 for the invasion of the VAR review area by players and technical staff and the obstruction of the referee’s work, and USD 15,000 for the use of lasers by supporters during the final.
*Morocco’s protest rejected*
CAF also confirmed that it had rejected a protest lodged by the FRMF, which alleged violations by the FSF of Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations. The Disciplinary Board ruled that the complaint, relating to the AFCON 2025 final, did not warrant any further action, thereby upholding the result of the match.
The decisions bring to a close CAF’s disciplinary proceedings arising from the AFCON 2025 final, reinforcing the governing body’s commitment to upholding fair play, integrity and discipline at its flagship competitions.
