RABAT – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a historic series of sanctions following the disorder that marred the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Final between Senegal and Morocco. The governing body’s Disciplinary Board confirmed that the punishments respond to a “clear breach of fair play,” involving player walk-offs, fan clashes, and harassment of match officials.
Despite the 1-0 victory for Senegal on the pitch, the “Lions of Teranga” now face a heavy price for their protests during the match.
Senegal: Heavy Bans and $615,000 in Fines
Senegal bore the brunt of the disciplinary action after head coach Pape Thiaw led his team off the pitch for 15 minutes in protest against a late penalty awarded to Morocco.
- Pape Thiaw (Coach): Suspended for 5 official CAF matches and personally fined $100,000. His ban applies to the 2027 AFCON qualifiers but notably excludes the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Player Suspensions: Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr both received 2-match bans for unsporting behavior toward the referee.
- Federation Fines: The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) was fined a total of $615,000, including penalties for supporter misconduct and the team’s temporary abandonment of the field.
Morocco: Sanctions for Ball Boys and VAR Invasion
The host nation was not exempt from the crackdown. While their appeal to have Senegal’s victory overturned was dismissed, Morocco faced penalties for incidents inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
- Achraf Hakimi: The captain received a 2-match suspension (one suspended for a year) for unsporting conduct.
- Ismael Saibari: Hit with a 3-match ban and a $100,000 fine.
- Federation Fines: The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was fined $315,000. Key offenses included the “inappropriate behavior” of stadium ball boys who attempted to disrupt Senegal’s goalkeeper, and technical staff invading the VAR review area.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
