The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has suspended various players and officials, alongside imposing significant fines on Senegal and Morocco after incidents of misconduct during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat.
In a statement released on Thursday, CAF noted that these sanctions were enforced by its Disciplinary Board due to violations of the CAF Disciplinary Code, which included breaches of the principles of integrity, loyalty, and fair play during and after the conclusion of the final match.
As part of the penalties, Senegal's head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw received a five-match suspension from all official CAF events for what was deemed 'unsporting conduct' and for 'bringing the game into disrepute'.
"Coach Pape Bouna Thiaw was also fined USD 100,000," CAF disclosed.
Moreover, two Senegal players, Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, both faced suspensions for two official CAF matches due to their unsporting behavior towards match officials.
CAF also imposed multiple fines on the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), including a fine of 300,000 dollars for the behavior of its supporters and another 300,000 dollars for the actions of its players and technical staff.
The statement added: "To fine the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), USD 300,000 for the improper conduct of its supporters, which brought the game into disrepute in violation of the CAF Disciplinary Code principles of fair play and integrity."
CAF continued: "To fine the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), USD 300,000 for the unsporting conduct of their players and technical staff in violation of the CAF Disciplinary Code principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity."
Additionally, an extra fine of 15,000 dollars was placed on the FSF after five Senegal players received bookings during the match.
Morocco was not spared from sanctions either, as defender Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two official CAF matches, one of which was suspended for a probationary period of one year, due to unsporting behavior.
Midfielder Ismaël Saibari incurred a three-match suspension along with a fine of 100,000 dollars for similar offenses. The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) faced a fine of 200,000 dollars for the conduct of ball boys during the final, and an additional 100,000 dollars over the inappropriate actions of players and officials who entered the VAR review area.
CAF stated that Moroccan officials "obstructed the referee's work," and a further fine of 15,000 dollars was imposed concerning the use of lasers by Moroccan supporters.
The AFCON final, which took place at the Stade Mohammed V on January 18, 2026, was characterized by controversy in the latter stages of the match. With the score level at 0-0, a Senegal goal was disallowed for offside, only for a VAR review to award Morocco a penalty in added time.
In protest against the decision, coach Thiaw led his players off the pitch, causing a delay and necessitating intervention from security officials.
Once the teams returned to the field, Morocco's penalty was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, leading to extra time, where Pape Gueye secured the win for Senegal, clinching the championship.
CAF reported that both the organization and FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the events that transpired following the VAR ruling.
In a related note, CAF dismissed a protest submitted by Morocco against Senegal.
"The CAF Disciplinary Board rejected the protest filed by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football concerning alleged breaches by the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations," stated CAF.
The governing body elaborated that the protest pertained to the TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025 final but found no sufficient grounds to support the claims.
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