The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has slammed heavy sanctions on Senegal, Morocco, and several players and officials following chaotic scenes during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat.
In a statement published on its official website, CAF said its Disciplinary Board handed down the punishments after establishing multiple violations of the CAF Disciplinary Code, citing breaches of fair play, loyalty and integrity during and after the final match.
“As a result of the incidents that occurred at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final, the CAF Disciplinary Board has imposed disciplinary measures against the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), and several players and officials,” CAF said.
Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw received one of the toughest penalties, with CAF suspending him for five official CAF matches for “unsporting conduct” and “bringing the game into disrepute.”
“Mr Pape Bouna Thiaw was also fined USD 100,000,” the statement added.
Two Senegalese players were also sanctioned:
Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye was suspended for two CAF matches for unsporting behaviour towards the referee.
Ismaila Sarr received a similar two-match suspension for misconduct directed at match officials.
CAF further fined the Senegal Football Federation (FSF) a total of $615,000, broken down as follows:
$300,000 for improper conduct by supporters.
$300,000 for unsporting conduct by players and technical staff.
$15,000 after five Senegal players were cautioned during the match.
According to CAF, the actions of Senegal’s players, officials and supporters “brought the game into disrepute and violated the principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity.”
On the Moroccan side, defender Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two CAF matches, with one of the bans suspended for one year, due to unsporting behaviour.
Midfielder Ismaël Saibari was handed a three-match suspension and fined $100,000.
CAF also fined the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF):
$200,000 for inappropriate behaviour by stadium ball boys.
$100,000 after Moroccan players and technical staff invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee.
$15,000 for the use of lasers by home supporters during the game.
The dramatic final at Stade Mohammed V in Rabat spiralled into disorder in the closing moments of regulation.
With the score locked at 0–0, Senegal had a goal ruled out for offside. Moments later, a VAR review awarded Morocco a penalty in the eighth minute of added time.
In protest, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw led his players off the pitch, prompting security intervention and a lengthy delay. The team eventually returned, and Moroccan goalkeeper Édouard Mendy saved the spot kick, pushing the match into extra time.
Midfielder Pape Gueye later scored the winning goal in the first half of extra time, sealing Senegal’s AFCON title.
Both CAF and FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the post-match conduct, describing the scenes as damaging to African football.
CAF also dismissed a formal protest filed by the Moroccan federation over alleged regulatory breaches by Senegal.
“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,” CAF stated.
The ruling confirms Senegal’s championship victory while closing the door on any further appeals related to the final.
