CAF Sanctions Senegal, Morocco Players After AFCON Final Chaos

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed down heavy sanctions to the Senegalese and Moroccan football federations, as well as several players, following disorderly scenes that disrupted the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

In a statement released on Wednesday, CAF confirmed that Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw has been suspended for five matches for unsporting conduct. He was also fined $100,000.

Senegal forward Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye received a two-match suspension for inappropriate behaviour toward the referee. Another Senegalese player, Ismaila Sarr, was also banned for two matches for similar misconduct.

CAF further imposed financial penalties on the Senegal Football Federation (FSF), including:

$300,000 for the improper conduct of Senegalese supporters, which brought the game into disrepute.

Another $300,000 for the unsporting behaviour of Senegal’s players and technical staff.

$15,000 for team misconduct after five Senegal players were booked during the match.

On the Moroccan side, PSG defender Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two matches, although one of the bans was suspended for one year. Midfielder Ismaël Saibari was handed a three-match suspension and fined $100,000 for unsporting conduct.

The AFCON final, played on January 18, 2026, at the Stade Mohammed V in Rabat, descended into controversy after Senegal had a goal disallowed and Morocco was awarded a late penalty. In protest, Thiaw led his team off the pitch temporarily.

Play later resumed, and after Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy saved the penalty, Senegal went on to win 1–0 in extra time, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal.

Both CAF and FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the chaotic events that overshadowed the final.

CAF also dismissed a protest filed by the Moroccan federation alleging Senegal breached tournament regulations, stating that the disciplinary board rejected the complaint.

The sanctions mark CAF’s strongest response yet in an effort to uphold discipline and protect the integrity of African football.