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The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has handed down heavy sanctions to the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), as well as several players and officials, following incidents that marred the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 final.
In a statement released after deliberations, the CAF Disciplinary Board confirmed that the actions of both teams, their officials and supporters violated provisions of the CAF Disciplinary Code, particularly those relating to fair play, integrity and bringing the game into disrepute.
The Senegalese Football Federation bore the brunt of the sanctions, with head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw receiving a five-match suspension from all official CAF competitions for unsporting conduct. CAF ruled that his actions violated the principles of fair play and integrity and brought the game into disrepute. Thiaw was also fined USD 100,000.
Two Senegalese players, Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, were each suspended for two official CAF matches for unsporting behaviour towards the referee during the final.
In addition, CAF imposed several financial penalties on the FSF. The federation was fined USD 300,000 for the improper conduct of its supporters, which CAF said brought the game into disrepute. A further USD 300,000 fine was issued for the unsporting conduct of Senegal’s players and technical staff. The FSF was also fined USD 15,000 after five of its players received cautions during the match.
The Moroccan Football Federation was also sanctioned for various offences linked to the final. Star defender Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two official CAF matches, with one of the matches suspended for a probationary period of one year, following findings of unsporting behaviour.
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Midfielder Ismaël Saibari received a three-match suspension and a fine of USD 100,000 for his conduct during the game.
CAF further fined the FRMF USD 200,000 for the inappropriate behaviour of stadium ball boys, while an additional USD 100,000 fine was imposed for the improper conduct of Morocco’s players and technical staff, who were found to have invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee, in violation of Articles 82 and 83 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.
Supporter misconduct also attracted punishment, with the FRMF fined USD 15,000 for the use of laser pointers by fans during the final.
Meanwhile, the CAF Disciplinary Board dismissed a protest lodged by the FRMF against the FSF over alleged violations of Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations. The protest, which related to the AFCON 2025 final, was rejected in its entirety.
CAF reiterated its commitment to upholding discipline, respect for match officials and the integrity of its competitions, warning that misconduct at major tournaments will continue to attract severe sanctions.
