The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced sweeping disciplinary sanctions against Senegal and Morocco following the chaotic scenes that marred the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final.
Senegal head coach, Pape Bouna Thiaw, has been suspended for five official CAF matches and fined $100,000 for unsporting conduct.
CAF’s Disciplinary Board ruled that Thiaw breached principles of fair play and integrity after instructing his players to walk off the pitch during the heated final against host nation Morocco.
Two Senegalese players, Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr, were also sanctioned for their conduct toward match officials. Both players received two-match suspensions for unsporting behaviour directed at the referee.
CAF further imposed a cumulative fine of $615,000 on the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) for multiple breaches of the disciplinary code.
This includes $300,000 for supporter misconduct, another $300,000 for the unsporting behaviour of players and technical staff, and an additional $15,000 after five Senegal players were booked during the match.
Morocco and the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) were also punished for incidents during the final.
Defender Achraf Hakimi was handed a two-match suspension, with one match suspended for a period of one year, while midfielder Ismaël Saibari received a three-match suspension and a $100,000 fine for unsporting behaviour.
CAF fined the Moroccan federation $200,000 for the inappropriate conduct of ball boys during the match.
An additional $100,000 fine was imposed for the actions of players and technical staff who invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee.
The FRMF was also fined $15,000 for the use of laser pointers by supporters inside the stadium.
Meanwhile, CAF dismissed a formal protest filed by the Moroccan Football Federation alleging violations of AFCON regulations by Senegal.
The Disciplinary Board rejected the complaint in its entirety, bringing regulatory proceedings from one of the most controversial finals in the tournament’s history to a close.
CAF says the sanctions are intended to protect the integrity of the game and reinforce discipline and fair play across African football.
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Story by Samuel Annang | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Erica Odeenyin Odoom
