AFCON 2025 Final Drama: CAF Issues Sweeping Sanctions on Senegal & Morocco
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled a series of heavy sanctions on both Senegal and Morocco in the wake of the controversial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final, which was played on January 18, 2026, in Rabat, Morocco.
The disciplinary ruling comes after several on‑field and off‑field incidents marred the conclusion of Africa’s premier football competition, which Senegal won 1‑0 after extra time.
WHAT HAPPENED IN THE FINAL?
The final was contentious from the start, highlighted by:
• A disallowed goal for Senegal in added time
• A late penalty awarded to Morocco suspended in controversy
• Senegal’s players briefly walking off the pitch in protest
• Pitch invasions and crowd disturbances
• High tension between teams, officials and supporters
Despite the drama, the match resumed, and Senegal secured the title with a decisive extra‑time winner.
CAF DISCIPLINARY DECISIONS
CAF’s Disciplinary Board found that actions by players, officials and supporters from both teams violated the CAF Disciplinary Code, particularly the principles of fair play, integrity and respect for match officials.
🇸🇳 Sanctions on Senegal
• Coach Pape Bouna Thiaw: Suspended for five official CAF matches and fined $100,000 for unsporting conduct and for bringing the game into disrepute.
• Iliman Ndiaye & Ismaila Sarr: Each banned for two CAF matches for unsporting behaviour toward match officials.
• Senegalese Football Federation (FSF): Fined a total of $615,000 — including fines for supporter misconduct, unsporting actions by players and technical staff, and team discipline issues.
🇲🇦 Sanctions on Morocco
• Achraf Hakimi: Suspended for two CAF matches, with one match suspended for a probationary period of one year, for unsporting behaviour.
• Ismaël Saibari: Banned for three CAF matches and fined $100,000 for unsporting conduct.
• Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF): Fined $315,000 overall, including:
• $200,000 for inappropriate behaviour by stadium ball boys
• $100,000 for player/staff obstruction of VAR review area
• $15,000 for supporters’ use of lasers during the final
DECISION ON MOROCCO’S PROTEST
Morocco’s football federation initially filed a protest seeking additional penalties against Senegal, including a challenge to the match outcome. However, CAF rejected the protest in its entirety, confirming Senegal as AFCON 2025 champions and upholding the match result.
🔄 REACTIONS AND APPEALS
Following the announcement, the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) expressed its intention to appeal the sanctions, calling some penalties disproportionate to the circumstances and questioning aspects of the disciplinary process.
WHY THESE SANCTIONS MATTER
CAF’s decisions highlight the governing body’s commitment to:
• Upholding disciplinary standards
• Promoting fair play and respect
• Protecting the authority of match officials
Without sanctions, incidents like walk‑offs, pitch invasions, and supporter misconduct could set negative precedents in future CAF competitions.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Both teams will now serve their respective bans and fines in CAF competitions.
The disciplinary measures do not affect World Cup eligibility and will apply predominantly to continental tournaments and qualifiers.
As the fallout continues, African football fans remain deeply divided over the decisions — but CAF’s message remains clear: discipline and respect for the game are paramount.
📊 QUICK SANCTIONS SUMMARY
Entity Penalties
Pape Bouna Thiaw 5‑match CAF ban, $100K fine
Ndiaye & Sarr 2‑match CAF bans each
FSF $615,000 fine
Achraf Hakimi 2‑match CAF ban (1 suspended)
Ismaël Saibari 3‑match CAF ban, $100K fine
FRMF $315,000 fine
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