AFCON 2025 Final Fallout: CAF Hands Heavy Sanctions to Senegal, Morocco
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed sweeping sanctions on Senegal and host nation Morocco following the chaotic scenes that marred the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final in Rabat.
In a statement released on January 28, CAF confirmed that its Disciplinary Board punished both football federations, as well as several players and officials, for breaching multiple provisions of the CAF Disciplinary Code during and after the final.
The showpiece match, which Senegal won 1–0 after extra time, was overshadowed by protests, confrontations on the pitch, and crowd unrest triggered by a controversial Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decision late in regulation time.
Senegal Sanctions
Among the harshest penalties was a five-match suspension handed to Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw for unsporting conduct and bringing the game into disrepute. He was also fined $100,000.
Two Senegalese players, Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, were each suspended for two CAF matches for unsporting behaviour toward match officials.
The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) was fined a total of $615,000, broken down as follows:
$300,000 for improper conduct of supporters
$300,000 for unsporting conduct by players and technical staff
$15,000 for excessive cautions received by players during the match
Morocco Sanctions
Morocco were also penalised for several incidents linked to the final.
Defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension, with one match suspended for a year, for unsporting behaviour.
Midfielder Ismaël Saibari was handed a three-match CAF ban and fined $100,000.
The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) was fined a total of $315,000, including:
$200,000 for inappropriate behaviour of ball boys
$100,000 for players and officials invading the VAR review area and obstructing the referee
$15,000 for the use of laser pointers by supporters
CAF also dismissed a formal protest submitted by the Moroccan federation, ruling that it lacked merit and did not breach AFCON regulations.
Background to the Sanctions
The final descended into disorder late in stoppage time after Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review.
Senegalese players and officials reacted angrily, with some briefly walking off the pitch, forcing a near 20-minute stoppage as security intervened to prevent further escalation.
When play resumed, Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved Brahim Díaz’s penalty. Senegal later secured victory in extra time through a long-range strike from Pape Gueye.
The events drew widespread condemnation, including from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who described the conduct of players, officials, and supporters as unacceptable.
CAF said the sanctions send a strong message on discipline, respect for match officials, and fair play, bringing closure to a turbulent end to the AFCON 2025 tournament.
