The Confederation of African Football (CAF), through its Disciplinary Board, has come down hard on Senegal and Morocco following the ugly scenes that overshadowed the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.
Incidents involving players, technical officials and supporters during and after the final drew widespread criticism and were deemed damaging to the image of African football.
After a thorough review, CAF convened its Disciplinary Panel and has now released a series of punitive measures targeting the two football federations, as well as individual players and officials, for breaches of the CAF Disciplinary Code.
The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) bore the brunt of the sanctions, with both the national team setup and individual actors punished.
Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw received a five-match suspension from all CAF competitions for unsporting conduct and actions that brought the game into disrepute. The coach was also slapped with a USD 100,000 fine.
On the playing front, Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each handed two-match bans for unsporting behaviour directed at match officials.
CAF also imposed substantial financial penalties on the Senegalese FA.
FSF was fined USD 300,000 for the unacceptable conduct of its supporters, which violated CAF’s principles of fair play and integrity.
A further USD 300,000 fine was issued for the misconduct of players and technical staff, while an additional USD 15,000 penalty was imposed after five Senegal players received cautions during the final.
Morocco Also Sanctioned
The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) was not spared either, with both players and federation officials facing disciplinary action.
Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two CAF matches, although one of those suspensions has been conditionally suspended for a year.
Midfielder Ismaël Saibari received a three-match ban and a USD 100,000 fine for his role in the disturbances.
FRMF was fined USD 200,000 for the inappropriate behaviour of ball boys during the final.
An additional USD 100,000 fine was imposed after Moroccan players and technical staff invaded the VAR review area, obstructing the referee’s duties.
CAF also fined the federation USD 15,000 for the use of laser devices by home supporters inside the stadium.
Morocco’s Protest Dismissed
CAF also ruled on a protest lodged by FRMF against Senegal, which alleged violations of Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations.
After review, the Disciplinary Board dismissed the protest, finding no grounds to uphold the claims.
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