The Confederation Of African Football (CAF) Has Issued A Series

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a series of disciplinary sanctions including bans, suspensions and fines against two of Africa’s top football nations, Senegal and Morocco, after controversial incidents that marred the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final The AFCON 2025 final, contested between Senegal and host nation Morocco, descended into controversy on 18 January 2026 in Rabat’s Stade Mohammed
The game was briefly halted late in regulation time after Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest over a penalty decision. The match resumed, and Senegal ultimately won 1–0 in extra time thanks to a goal by Pape Gueye.
CAF’s Disciplinary Board determined that multiple actions during and after the final violated the CAF Disciplinary Code, including breaches of fair play, loyalty and match integrity. Head Coach Pape Bouna Thiaw: Suspended for five official CAF matches and fined USD 100,000 for unsporting conduct and bringing the game into disrepute.
Players Iliman Ndiaye & Ismaïla Sarr: Each received two-match suspensions for unsporting behaviour toward the referee.
Senegal Football Federation (FSF): Fined a total of USD 615,000, which includes: USD 300,000 for improper conduct by supporters.
USD 300,000 for unsporting conduct by players and technical staff.
USD 15,000 for disciplinary issues relating to multiple cautions.
Achraf Hakimi: Suspended for two official CAF matches, with one match suspended on probation.
Ismaël Saibari: Banned for three matches and fined USD 100,000 for unsporting behaviour.
Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF): Fined a total of USD 315,000, including penalties for: Stadium ball boys’ inappropriate conduct. Invasion of the VAR review area by team personnel.
Supporters’ use of laser pointers during the match.
CAF rejected Morocco’s formal protest against the match result, confirming Senegal as champions.
The sanctions are not outright bans from future competitions, but they carry match bans for individuals (coaches and players) in CAF-organised events and significant financial penalties for the two national football associations.
CAF underscored that actions which bring the game into disrepute or undermine fair play and integrity will attract strict consequences regardless of the stature of the teams involved.
Fans and media across Africa have reacted strongly to the disciplinary ruling, with some applauding CAF’s firm stance on misconduct and others questioning the severity or fairness of certain individual punishments. The final’s controversial ending and subsequent sanctions have sparked debate about officiating standards and disciplinary consistency in African football.
Senegal & Morocco Sanctioned: CAF imposed heavy fines and match bans after AFCON 2025 final disruptions.
Coach & Player Bans: Senegal’s coach faces five fixtures’ suspension; several players from both nations are also suspended.
Federation Fines: Combined fines for the two football federations exceed USD 900,000.
Result Upheld: Despite protests, Senegal remains official AFCON 2025 champions.