CAF slams Senegal, Morocco with sanctions after chaotic AFCON 2025 final

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed down a raft of disciplinary sanctions against the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football, the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football, as well as several players and officials following the disorderly scenes that marred the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

In a statement, CAF confirmed that its Disciplinary Board imposed the penalties for violations of the CAF Disciplinary Code, citing breaches of fair play, loyalty, and integrity during and after the final.

Among the most severe punishments was a five-match suspension handed to Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw for “unsporting conduct” and “bringing the game into disrepute.” Thiaw was also fined $100,000.

CAF further sanctioned Senegalese players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr, suspending each for two CAF matches for unsporting behaviour towards the referee. The Senegal FA was fined a combined $615,000, including penalties for supporter misconduct, unsporting behaviour by players and technical staff, and disciplinary breaches resulting from five cautions during the match.

Read Also: JUST IN: Super Eagles secure AFCON 2025 bronze

Morocco were also hit with significant sanctions. Defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match CAF suspension, with one match suspended for a year. Midfielder Ismaël Saibari was banned for three CAF matches and fined $100,000 for unsporting conduct.

CAF fined the Moroccan federation $200,000 for inappropriate behaviour by stadium ball boys, $100,000 for players and officials obstructing the VAR review area, and an additional $15,000 for the use of lasers by supporters.

The final, staged at the Stade Mohammed V on January 18, 2026, descended into chaos late in regulation time. With the score at 0–0, Senegal had a goal ruled out for offside before VAR awarded Morocco a penalty in stoppage time. In protest, Thiaw led his players off the pitch, triggering wild scenes that required security intervention.

After order was restored, Édouard Mendy saved Morocco’s penalty, forcing extra time. Senegal eventually claimed the AFCON title thanks to a decisive extra-time goal from Pape Gueye.

The post CAF slams Senegal, Morocco with sanctions after chaotic AFCON 2025 final appeared first on Sporting Life.