The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has issued heavy sanctions against the football federations of Senegal and Morocco following the chaotic end to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.
The rulings, announced on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, include over $1 million in combined fines and multiple match bans for players and technical staff.
Senegal Sanctions
Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw received a five-match suspension and a $100,000 fine.
“Unsporting conduct after leading his team on a 15-minute pitch walk-off to protest a late VAR decision.”
CAF also fined the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) $500,000 for crowd and team misconduct.
“The improper conduct of its supporters and the unsporting conduct of their players and technical staff.”
An additional $15,000 fine was imposed after five Senegal players received yellow cards during the match. This brought Senegal’s total fine to $615,000.
Morocco Sanctions
The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) was fined $315,000 for several violations.
A $200,000 fine was issued for ball boy misconduct.
“Inappropriate behaviour of stadium ball boys, who attempted to distract Senegal’s goalkeeper by snatching his towel.”
CAF also fined Morocco $100,000 for staff interference.
“Players and staff invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee’s work.”
Another $15,000 fine was imposed for the use of lasers by Moroccan supporters.
Player Suspensions
Morocco’s Ismaël Saibari received a three-match ban and a $100,000 fine. Achraf Hakimi was handed a two-match suspension.
Senegal’s Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were also suspended for two matches each.
CAF defended the decisions in a formal statement:
“The principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity must be upheld in all matches.”
The disciplinary board also rejected Morocco’s protest over alleged regulatory violations by the Senegalese team.
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