The Confederation of African Football has imposed heavy sanctions on Senegal, Morocco, and several players and officials following incidents that marred the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
In a statement released on Wednesday night, CAF said its Disciplinary Board reached the decisions after reviewing breaches of the CAF Disciplinary Code relating to fair play, loyalty and integrity during and after the final match.
As part of the sanctions against Senegal, head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw was suspended for five official CAF matches for unsporting conduct and bringing the game into disrepute. He was also fined $100,000.
CAF further suspended Senegalese players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr for two official CAF matches each for unsporting behaviour towards the referee.
The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football was fined a total of $615,000, including:
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$300,000 for the improper conduct of supporters,
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$300,000 for unsporting behaviour by players and technical staff,
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$15,000 for team misconduct following five player cautions.
Regarding Morocco, CAF suspended defender Achraf Hakimi for two CAF matches, with one of the suspensions suspended for one year. Midfielder Ismaël Saibari received a three-match suspension and a $100,000 fine for unsporting conduct.
The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football was fined $200,000 over the inappropriate behaviour of stadium ball boys during the final. An additional $100,000 fine was imposed for the conduct of Moroccan players and officials who invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee, while $15,000 was issued for the use of laser lights by supporters.
The AFCON final, played at the Stade Mohammed V in Rabat on January 18, 2026, was disrupted late in regulation time after Senegal had a goal ruled offside and Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review.
In protest, Senegal coach Thiaw led his players off the pitch, forcing a delay before the team eventually returned. Morocco’s penalty was saved by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, pushing the match into extra time.
Senegal went on to secure the title after Pape Gueye scored the winning goal in extra time.
CAF also confirmed it rejected a protest lodged by the Moroccan federation accusing Senegal of violating Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations.
Both CAF and FIFA President Gianni Infantino had earlier condemned the scenes that unfolded during the final.
