CAF Issues Major Fines and Bans After Turbulent AFCON 2025 Final Between Senegal and Morocco

In a disciplinary decision released on Thursday, January 29, 2026, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) handed down a series of fines, suspensions, and sanctions to both the Senegalese and Moroccan football federations, as well as several players and officials, for misconduct during the AFCON 2025 final in Morocco.

CAF ruled that actions during and after the final — including unsporting behaviour by players and technical staff, interference in officiating areas, and crowd-related issues — breached the organisation’s Disciplinary Code and undermined the principles of fair play, integrity, and respect.

Under the sanctions:

Senegal’s head coach, Pape Bouna Thiaw, was suspended for five CAF matches and fined USD 100,000 for conduct CAF said brought the game into disrepute.

Senegal players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr each received two-match suspensions for unsporting behaviour toward the referee.

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) was fined a total of around USD 615,000 for a combination of supporter misconduct, unsporting behaviour from team personnel, and disciplinary cautions issued during the match.


On the Moroccan side:

Defender Achraf Hakimi was handed a two-match CAF suspension (with one match suspended for a year) for unsporting conduct, while Ismaël Saibari received a three-match ban along with a USD 100,000 fine.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was fined roughly USD 315,000 for various breaches, including inappropriate behaviour by ball boys, players and staff entering restricted officiating areas, and the use of laser pointers by supporters.


CAF also rejected Morocco’s protest that sought to challenge Senegal’s victory, affirming that the result — a 1–0 win for Senegal after extra time — would stand.

These measures come after one of the most controversial finals in recent AFCON history, which saw Senegal briefly walk off the pitch in protest over a refereeing decision before play resumed and the match concluded.