Following a turbulent 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, the CAF Disciplinary Board has handed down significant sanctions against the Moroccan and Senegalese federations.
In a statement released Wednesday night, CAF cited multiple violations of its Disciplinary Code—specifically breaches of fair play and integrity—occurring both during and after the championship match.
The heaviest penalties targeted the Senegalese camp. Head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw received a five-match suspension and a $100,000 fine for “unsporting conduct” that brought the game into disrepute.
Additionally, forward Iliman Ndiaye has been banned for two matches following his conduct toward the officiating team.
“To suspend Senegalese national team player, Mr Ismaila Sarr for two (2) official CAF matches for his unsporting behaviour 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.”
With regard to Morocco, CAF suspended national team defender, Achraf Hakimi, for two official CAF matches, with one of the matches suspended for one year from the date of the decision, for unsporting behaviour.
Midfielder Ismaël Saibari was suspended for three official CAF matches and fined 100,000 dollars for unsporting behaviour.
The FRMF was fined 200,000 dollars for the inappropriate behaviour of stadium ball boys during the final.
CAF also imposed a fine of 100,000 dollars on the Moroccan federation for the improper conduct of its players and technical staff, who invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee’s work.
An additional fine of 15,000 dollars was issued for the use of lasers by Moroccan supporters during the match.
The final, held at the Stade Mohammed V in Rabat on January 18, 2026, descended into disarray in the dying moments of regular time.
The final reached a boiling point in the dying minutes of regulation.
Following a disallowed Senegalese goal and a controversial 98th-minute penalty awarded to Morocco via VAR, Coach Pape Thiaw led a temporary walk-off in protest.
Security was called to manage the resulting turmoil before Senegal eventually agreed to return to the field.
The drama continued as Édouard Mendy saved the last-gasp penalty, sending the final into extra time.
Midfielder Pape Gueye capitalized on the momentum, scoring in the fourth minute of the first extra period to clinch the trophy for Senegal.
The chaotic scenes did not go unnoticed, however, as FIFA President Gianni Infantino joined CAF in criticizing the conduct of the participants.
Meanwhile, CAF also ruled on a protest lodged by the FRMF concerning alleged violations 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 said.
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