The Confederation of African Football has handed down multiple sanctions against Senegal, Morocco, and several players and officials following chaotic scenes during the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
In a statement published on its website on Wednesday night, CAF said the penalties were imposed by its Disciplinary Board for violations of the CAF Disciplinary Code, including breaches of fair play, loyalty and integrity during and after the final match.
Senegal’s head coach, Pape Bouna Thiaw, was suspended for five official CAF matches for unsporting conduct and for bringing the game into disrepute. He was also fined $100,000.
CAF further suspended Senegalese players Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr for two official CAF matches each for unsporting behaviour towards the referee.
The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football was fined $300,000 for the improper conduct of its supporters and another $300,000 for the unsporting conduct of its players and technical staff. An additional fine of $15,000 was imposed after five Senegalese players received cautions during the match.
On the Moroccan side, national team defender Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two official CAF matches, with one match suspended for a year, for unsporting behaviour. Midfielder Ismaël Saibari received a three-match suspension and a $100,000 fine for similar offences.
The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football was fined $200,000 for the inappropriate behaviour of stadium ball boys during the final. CAF also imposed a $100,000 fine for the improper conduct of Moroccan players and officials, who invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee. Moroccan supporters were fined $15,000 for the use of lasers during the match.
The final, played at the Stade Mohammed V in Rabat on January 18, descended into disorder late in regulation time. With the score level at 0–0, Senegal had a goal ruled out for offside before VAR awarded Morocco a penalty deep into stoppage time.
In protest, Senegal coach Thiaw led his players off the pitch, prompting security intervention. The team later returned, and Morocco’s penalty was saved by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, forcing extra time.
Senegal eventually claimed the title after Pape Gueye scored the winning goal in the first half of extra time.
CAF and FIFA president Gianni Infantino condemned the conduct surrounding the match.
Meanwhile, CAF also dismissed a protest filed by the Moroccan football federation alleging that Senegal breached Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations.
“The CAF Disciplinary Board rejected the protest lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football regarding alleged violations by the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football,” the statement added.
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