The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed severe sanctions on the football federations, players, and officials of Morocco and Senegal for incidents that disrupted the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In a statement published on its official website, CAF stated that the penalties resulted from a review by its Disciplinary Board, which found multiple breaches of the CAF Disciplinary Code during and after the final match.
Several sanctions were imposed on Moroccan players and the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF). Star defender Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two official CAF matches, with one of the matches suspended for a one-year probationary period, after being found guilty of unsporting behaviour.
Midfielder Ismaël Saibari was handed a three-match suspension and fined USD 100,000 for misconduct.
The FRMF was also fined a total of USD 315,000 for various infractions. These include 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, and USD 15,000 for the use of laser pointers by supporters during the match.
CAF further disclosed that it dismissed a protest filed by the Moroccan federation, which accused the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) of violating Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations.
Senegal was also sanctioned over incidents linked to the final. Head coach of the Senegalese national team, Pape Bouna Thiaw, received a five-match suspension from official CAF competitions and was fined USD 100,000 for unsporting behaviour.
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 imposed a total fine of USD 615,000 on the FSF. The penalties include USD 300,000 for the improper conduct of Senegalese supporters, USD 300,000 for unsporting behaviour by players and technical staff that brought the game into disrepute, and USD 15,000 for team misconduct following cautions issued to five players during the match.
CAF said the sanctions underline its commitment to enforcing discipline, protecting match officials, and safeguarding the integrity of African football, particularly during major tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations.
