*Fines two federations, other players after intense probe
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed suspensions and significant financial penalties on Senegal and Morocco following disciplinary breaches during and after the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 final.
In a statement released by CAF’s Disciplinary Board, the governing body said the sanctions were handed down after multiple incidents were found to have violated provisions of the CAF Disciplinary Code, particularly those relating to fair play, integrity, and respect for match officials.
Senegal received the most severe sanctions. Head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw was suspended for five official CAF matches and fined 100,000 US dollars for unsporting conduct, with CAF stating that his actions brought the game into disrepute.
Two Senegal players, Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr, were each handed two-match suspensions for unsporting behaviour towards the referee during the final.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) was also fined a total of 615,000 US dollars. According to CAF, the penalty was imposed for a combination of offences, including improper conduct by supporters, unsporting behaviour by players and technical officials, and misconduct associated with the team receiving five yellow cards during the match.
Morocco were likewise sanctioned over incidents involving players, officials, and supporters. Defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension, with one of the bans suspended for a period of one year. Midfielder Ismaël Saibari was suspended for three CAF matches and fined $100,000 for unsporting behaviour.
CAF also fined the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) $200,000 for the conduct of ball boys during the match. An additional 100,000 US dollar fine was imposed after players and officials were found to have invaded the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review area and interfered with the referee’s duties.
A further fine of 15,000 US dollars was levied against Morocco for the use of laser devices by supporters inside the stadium.
CAF confirmed that a protest filed by Morocco, which alleged regulatory violations by Senegal during the final, was reviewed and subsequently dismissed.
The governing body said the decisions underscore its commitment to enforcing discipline, protecting the integrity of the game, and ensuring respect for match officials across its competitions.
