Sanctions After Controversial AFCON Final

Sanctions After Controversial AFCON Final
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a series of heavy disciplinary sanctions against the national teams, officials and football federations of Senegal and Morocco following disorderly conduct and unsporting behaviour during and after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat. Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw was suspended for five official CAF matches and fined $100,000 for “unsporting conduct” and bringing the game into disrepute after leading his team off the pitch in protest of a late decision.
Senegalese forwards Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr each received two‑match bans for unsporting behaviour directed at the referee. Fines on Senegal Football Federation (FSF)
The FSF was fined a total of $615,000

• $300,000 for improper conduct by supporters
• $300,000 for unsporting behaviour by players and team officials
• $15,000 for multiple cautions received by players during the game.
  Morocco’s captain Achraf Hakimi received a two‑match suspension, with one match suspended for a year on probation, for unsporting conduct.
  Midfielder Ismaël Saibari was given a three‑match ban and fined $100,000.
  CAF imposed $315,000 in fines on the FRMF including:
• $200,000 for inappropriate behaviour by stadium ball boys
• $100,000 for players and staff entering the VAR review area and interfering with officials
• $15,000 for fans’ use of laser pointers during the match.
  CAF rejected a formal protest from the Moroccan Football Federation that sought to overturn the match result or impose further sanctions on Senegal, ruling that it lacked sufficient grounds under CAF regulations.
  Senegal remains AFCON 2025 champion after a hard‑fought 1‑0 victory in extra time despite the late controversy and walk‑off incident. CAF described the sanctions as part of its commitment to fair play, integrity and respect for match officials, underlining that conduct during flagship events must uphold the reputation of African football. Officials clarified that the bans and fines apply only to CAF competitions (such as AFCON and CAF club tournaments) and will not affect participation in FIFA competitions like the upcoming 2026 World Cup
  The final erupted into chaos late in regulation time after a controversial penalty was awarded to Morocco and protests from the Senegal side. Senegal’s coach temporarily withdrew his team from the pitch, causing a lengthy delay before play resumed. Morocco missed the penalty, and Senegal went on to secure victory in extra time. Match officials, players and supporters on both sides were involved in heated exchanges, fan misconduct and incidents that drew CAF’s disciplinary focus following the match.