What Sanctions Did CAF Impose on Senegal and Morocco After AFCON Final?
Synopsis
In a dramatic fallout from the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final, significant penalties have been levied against Senegal and Morocco. With suspensions and fines affecting coaches, players, and football federations, the aftermath of this contentious match is set to reshape the landscape of African football. Discover the full extent of CAF's disciplinary actions.
Key Takeaways
CAF imposes strict penalties on Senegal and Morocco Pape Thiaw suspended for five matches Total fines exceed USD 900,000 Match controversies highlight issues of sportsmanship Implications for future CAF tournaments
Cairo, Jan 29 (NationPress) The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) disciplinary board has enacted severe sanctions against the Federation Senegalaise de Football (FSF) and the Federation Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), along with specific players and officials, due to incidents that occurred during the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final, which breached the CAF Disciplinary Code.
The situation escalated during stoppage time when Morocco received a penalty after a VAR review, right after Senegal had a goal disallowed. This decision led to Senegal's head coach Pape Thiaw taking his players off the field, which halted the match in Rabat and caused confusion among fans.
After a 16-minute delay, the game resumed with Senegal players returning to the field. Morocco's Brahim Diaz failed to score from the penalty, and Senegal ultimately triumphed in extra time with a remarkable goal from Pape Gueye.
In response, CAF has imposed a stringent punishment on coach Pape Thiaw, suspending him for five official CAF matches due to his unsporting conduct, which violated the principles of fair play and integrity outlined in the CAF Disciplinary Code. He has also been fined USD 100,000.
Additionally, winger Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye from Premier League club Everton and Ismaila Sarr of Crystal Palace face suspensions for two official CAF matches each for their unsporting behaviour directed towards the referee.
The FSF incurred a total fine of USD 615,000 for various violations during the final, including a USD 300,000 fine for improper conduct by its supporters, which brought the game into disrepute.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was also penalized with a USD 200,000 fine due to the inappropriate actions of stadium ball boys and an additional USD 100,000 fine for players and staff who obstructed the Congolese referee during a VAR review, totaling USD 315,000.
Furthermore, Achraf Hakimi, a right-back for Paris Saint-Germain, has been suspended for two official CAF matches, with one match being postponed for one year due to his unsporting behaviour. Ismael Saibari, another player, has been suspended for three matches and fined USD 100,000.
CAF also stated that it rejected a protest from the FRMF concerning alleged violations by the FSF related to Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, which pertained to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach this story with an unbiased lens, recognizing the complexities involved in the aftermath of the AFCON final. While the penalties imposed by CAF are significant, they reflect a broader commitment to maintaining integrity and fair play in African football. It's imperative to uphold the spirit of the game, even when emotions run high.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main reasons for the sanctions imposed by CAF?
The sanctions were primarily due to unsporting conduct by players and officials, improper behavior from supporters, and violations of the CAF Disciplinary Code during the AFCON final.
How much was Senegal fined by CAF?
The Federation Senegalaise de Football was fined a total of USD 615,000 for various offences during the final.
What penalties did the Moroccan Football Federation face?
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation was fined USD 315,000 for the inappropriate actions of stadium ball boys and obstructive behavior from players and staff.
Who was suspended from the Senegal team?
Coach Pape Thiaw was suspended for five matches, while players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr faced suspensions of two matches each.
What was the outcome of the match?
Despite the controversies, Senegal secured victory over Morocco in extra time, concluding the match with a stunning strike from Pape Gueye.
