AFCON 2025 Final Fallout: CAF sanctions Senegal, Morocco

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed heavy sanctions on Senegal and host nation Morocco following the chaotic scenes that overshadowed the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final in Rabat.

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In a statement published on Wednesday, 28 January, CAF said its Disciplinary Board sanctioned the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), as well as several players and officials, for breaching provisions of the CAF Disciplinary Code during and after the final.

The AFCON showpiece, which Senegal won 1–0 after extra time, was marred by protests, pitch-side confrontations and crowd unrest sparked by a controversial Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decision late in the game.

Among the most severe punishments was a five-match suspension imposed on Senegal head coach, Pape Bouna Thiaw, for unsporting conduct and for bringing the game into disrepute. The CAF Disciplinary Board also fined him $100,000.

Two Senegal players, Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, were each suspended for two official CAF matches for unsporting behaviour towards the referee. In addition, the FSF was fined a total of $615,000. This included $300,000 for the improper conduct of supporters, another $300,000 for the unsporting conduct of players and technical staff, and $15,000 after five Senegal players received cautions during the match.

Morocco were also sanctioned for several incidents linked to the final. Defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension, with one of the matches suspended for one year, for unsporting behaviour. Midfielder Ismaël Saibari was handed a three-match CAF ban and fined $100,000.

The FRMF was fined $200,000 for the inappropriate behaviour of ball boys during the match, $100,000 for the conduct of players and technical staff who invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee, and $15,000 for the use of laser pointers by Moroccan supporters.

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CAF also dismissed a formal protest lodged by the Moroccan federation, which alleged violations by Senegal under Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations. The Disciplinary Board ruled that the protest lacked merit.

Chaotic AFCON final

The sanctions stem from a dramatic final that descended into disorder deep into stoppage time. With the score still 0–0, Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review of an incident involving Senegal defender Moussa Diouf and Morocco forward Brahim Díaz. The decision triggered furious reactions from Senegalese players and officials, most of whom briefly walked off the pitch in protest.

Play was halted for nearly 20 minutes as tensions escalated, forcing security personnel to intervene to prevent a pitch invasion. Senegal captain Sadio Mané was seen urging his teammates to return so the match could continue.

When play eventually resumed, Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved Díaz’s attempted Panenka penalty, a turning point in the match. Senegal went on to seize the moment in extra time, with Pape Gueye scoring a powerful long-range strike to seal a historic victory.

Before CAF announced the sanctions, the events of the 18 January final had drawn widespread condemnation. FIFA President Gianni Infantino criticised the conduct of some players, officials and supporters, describing the scenes as unacceptable.

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“We strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members. It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner,” Mr Infantino said.

“It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport; it is simply not right.”

The sanctions bring to a close a turbulent chapter in what was otherwise a memorable AFCON tournament.

With the heavy sanctions pronounced, CAF has also passed a firm message on discipline, fair play and respect for match officials in African football.