CAF Imposes Heavy Sanctions on Senegal and Morocco Following AFCON 2025 Final Incidents

The dust from the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 has officially settled, but not without a final word from the CAF Disciplinary Board. Following the dramatic final in Rabat, CAF has released a comprehensive list of sanctions against the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) and the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) for various violations of the disciplinary code.

From heavy fines to multiple-match suspensions for star players and coaches, here is the official breakdown of the decisions released on 28th January 2026.

Sanctions on Senegal (FSF)

Despite their victory, the Senegalese camp is facing significant disciplinary action. Head Coach Pape Bouna Thiaw has been handed a five-match suspension from official CAF competitions and a fine of USD 100,000 for unsporting conduct and bringing the game into disrepute.

The board also moved against several key players:

• Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr have both been suspended for two official matches each due to unsporting behaviour towards the referee.
• The FSF itself has been fined a total of USD 615,000. This includes USD 300,000 for supporter misconduct and another USD 300,000 for the unsporting conduct of the players and technical staff. An additional USD 15,000 was imposed after five players received cautions during the match.

Sanctions on Morocco (FRMF)

The host nation was not exempt from the board’s findings. Star defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension, with one match suspended for a one-year probationary period.

Further sanctions for the Atlas Lions include:

• Ismaël Saibari has been suspended for three matches and fined USD 100,000.
• The FRMF was fined USD 200,000 for the “inappropriate behaviour” of the stadium’s ball boys and USD 100,000after players and staff invaded the VAR review area.
• A USD 15,000 fine was also issued for the use of lasers by supporters during the final.

Protest Rejected

In a final move to close the chapter on the 2025 tournament, the CAF Disciplinary Board officially rejected the protest lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF). The protest had alleged regulatory violations by the Senegalese team, but the board ruled that the claims were unfounded, confirming the original match results stand.