CAF has fined Morocco, Senegal and suspended Hakimi and coach Thiaw over AFCON 2025.
Touchaheart—The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed heavy fines and suspensions on Morocco and Senegal following chaotic scenes at the AFCON 2025 final. The sanctions, announced Wednesday, stem from unsporting conduct during and after the match in Rabat.
CAF said the penalties aim to protect fair play, integrity, and referee authority across African football.
In a detailed statement published on its official website, CAF confirmed that its Disciplinary Board acted after reviewing incidents from the January 18, 2026, final at Stade Mohammed V.
The board cited breaches of the CAF Disciplinary Code, including violations of loyalty and sporting ethics.
Senegal Faces Heaviest Penalties
Senegal bore the heaviest sanctions. Head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw received a five-match suspension from official CAF competitions. CAF also fined him $100,000 for “unsporting conduct” and “bringing the game into disrepute.”
CAF stated, “The conduct of the Senegalese technical staff undermined the values of fair play expected at this level.” A CAF official added that the decision “sends a clear message that protests must respect competition rules.”
Two Senegalese players were also punished. Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each suspended for two CAF matches. CAF said both players displayed unsporting behavior toward match officials during the tense finale.
Financial penalties against the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) totaled $615,000. This included $300,000 for supporter misconduct, another $300,000 for player and staff behavior, and $15,000 for disciplinary cautions received by five players.
Morocco Hit With Multiple Fines
Morocco was not spared. CAF suspended defender Achraf Hakimi for two official CAF matches. One match suspension, however, was suspended for one year, pending future conduct.
CAF described Hakimi’s actions as unsporting but stopped short of harsher punishment.
The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) received multiple fines. CAF imposed $200,000 for inappropriate conduct by stadium ball boys.
Another $100,000 fine followed after Moroccan players and staff invaded the VAR area, obstructing the referee. Supporters’ use of laser pointers attracted an additional $15,000 penalty.
The final itself ended dramatically. With the score tied 0–0 in added time, Senegal saw a goal ruled offside. Moments later, VAR awarded Morocco a penalty in the eighth minute of stoppage time.
Protesting the decision, Coach Thiaw led Senegalese players off the pitch, forcing a delay and security intervention.
After returning, Morocco’s penalty was saved by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. Senegal then clinched the AFCON title in extra time, as Pape Gueye scored in the 94th minute.
Both the CAF and FIFA Presidents, Gianni Infantino, condemned the disorder. Infantino said at the time, “Football must never lose its respect for officials and the laws of the game.”
Looking Ahead
CAF also dismissed a protest filed by Morocco alleging regulatory breaches by Senegal. The board ruled that no violations of Articles 82 and 84 occurred.
The sanctions mark one of CAF’s strongest disciplinary responses in recent AFCON history. Moving forward, the rulings may shape stricter enforcement standards, as CAF seeks to restore trust, discipline, and credibility in African football finals.
