Morocco’s football federation says it will appeal the fines and bans given to it by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after the chaotic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Senegal.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was fined a total of $315,000 and had two of its players banned following incidents that happened during the final match in Rabat on January 18, 2026.
In a statement, the FRMF said it is appealing the decision to protect its rights, arguing that the punishments do not match how serious the incidents were.
The match became tense late in normal time when a goal by Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr was ruled out for a foul on Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi, who was named Africa’s Player of the Year in 2025.
Moments later, Morocco were awarded a penalty after Brahim Diaz was fouled. This decision angered Senegal players and fans. The penalty was delayed for several minutes, and when it was finally taken, Diaz’s weak shot was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
The match went into extra time, where Pape Gueye scored the winning goal, giving Senegal their second AFCON title.
During the delay over the penalty decision, some Senegal supporters threw objects onto the pitch, and a few briefly entered the field before security officials restored order.
CAF fined Morocco:
$200,000 for the bad behaviour of stadium ball boys
$100,000 for players and officials entering the VAR area and disturbing the referee
$15,000 for fans using laser lights to distract Senegal players
Moroccan forward Ismael Saibari was banned for three matches and fined $100,000 for unsporting behaviour, while captain Achraf Hakimi received a two-match ban.
Senegal was also heavily punished, with fines totaling $615,000. Their head coach, Pape Thiaw, was banned for five matches. Two Senegal players, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, were each banned for two matches for misconduct towards the referee.
The Senegal Football Federation also announced plans to appeal the sanctions.
CAF said Senegal’s punishments were due to the poor behaviour of players and officials, which went against rules on fair play and integrity.
