The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed stiff sanctions on the football federations, players, and officials of Morocco and Senegal following incidents that marred the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In a statement published on its official website, CAF said the sanctions were handed down after its Disciplinary Board reviewed multiple violations of the CAF Disciplinary Code that occurred during and after the final match. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
CAF announced several disciplinary measures against Moroccan players and the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).
Morocco’s star defender, Achraf Hakimi, was suspended for two official CAF matches, with one match suspended for a probationary period of one year, following findings of unsporting behaviour.
Midfielder Ismaël Saibari received a three-match suspension and was fined USD 100,000 for misconduct during the final.
The Moroccan Football Federation was also fined a total of USD 315,000 for multiple infractions:
USD 200,000 for the inappropriate conduct of stadium ball boys
USD 100,000 for improper behaviour by Moroccan players and technical staff, who invaded the VAR review area and interfered with the referee’s duties, in violation of Articles 82 and 83 of the CAF Disciplinary Code
USD 15,000 for the use of laser pointers by Moroccan supporters during the match
CAF further disclosed that it rejected a protest filed by the FRMF, which alleged violations by the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) under Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations.
Senegal also faced severe penalties arising from conduct during the final.
The Head Coach of the Senegalese national team, Pape Bouna Thiaw, was suspended for five official CAF matches for unsporting behaviour and fined USD 100,000.
Two Senegalese players, Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, were each suspended for two official CAF matches for unsporting conduct towards match officials.
In addition, CAF fined the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) a total of USD 615,000, broken down as follows:
USD 300,000 for the improper conduct of Senegalese supporters, which brought the game into disrepute
USD 300,000 for unsporting behaviour by players and technical staff, deemed damaging to the image of football
USD 15,000 for team misconduct, following cautions issued to five Senegalese players during the match
CAF stated that the sanctions reflect its commitment to upholding discipline, respect for match officials, and the integrity of African football, especially during high-profile competitions such as the Africa Cup of Nations.
