Amanze Chinonye
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed heavy sanctions on the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), as well as several players and officials, following a series of heated incidents that overshadowed the Total Energies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 final.
In a statement released on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, CAF said its Disciplinary Board found that multiple actions during and after the final violated the CAF Disciplinary Code, particularly provisions relating to fair play, integrity and respect for match officials.
The final, which was expected to be a showpiece event, descended into controversy after several contentious refereeing decisions sparked confrontations involving players, coaches and technical officials from both teams. Tensions escalated during VAR reviews, with CAF later establishing that members of the teams invaded the VAR review area, disrupting the referee’s work and undermining the integrity of the match.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelREAD ALSO : Senegal Win Africa Cup of Nations After Extra-Time Thriller Against Morocco
AFCON FINAL: How Referee Chaos, Officiating Outrage Tainted Senegal’s Win
Sanctions on Senegal
Senegal bore the brunt of the disciplinary measures. The CAF Disciplinary Board suspended the head coach of the Senegalese national team, Pape Bouna Thiaw, for five official CAF matches for unsporting conduct and for bringing the game into disrepute. He was also fined $100,000.
Two Senegalese players, Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, were each suspended for two official CAF matches after being found guilty of unsporting behaviour towards the referee during the final.
CAF also imposed substantial financial penalties on the FSF, fining the federation a total of $615,000. This includes $300,000 for the improper conduct of Senegalese supporters, $300,000 for the unsporting conduct of the team’s players and technical staff, and $15,000 for team misconduct after five Senegal players were cautioned in the match.
CAF said the actions of the Senegalese contingent collectively breached principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity, and significantly contributed to the disorder witnessed during the final.
Sanctions on Morocco
Morocco was similarly sanctioned for incidents involving its players, officials and supporters. Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two official CAF matches, with one of the suspensions conditionally suspended for a period of one year, for unsporting behaviour.
Midfielder Ismaël Saibari received a three-match suspension and a $100,000 fine for unsporting conduct linked to confrontations during the match.
The FRMF was fined a total of $315,000. CAF imposed a $200,000 fine for the inappropriate behaviour of stadium ball boys, which the disciplinary body said contributed to disruptions during play. A further $100,000 fine was issued for the improper conduct of Moroccan players and technical staff who invaded the VAR area and obstructed the referee, while $15,000 was imposed for the use of lasers by Moroccan supporters.
CAF stressed that interference with match officials and VAR operations constitutes a serious offence under Articles 82 and 83 of the Disciplinary Code, warranting strict punishment.
Protest Dismissed
Following the final, the FRMF lodged a formal protest accusing Senegal of breaching Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations. However, the CAF Disciplinary Board dismissed the protest, ruling that while misconduct occurred, it did not justify further sporting sanctions or affect the outcome of the match.
The disciplinary rulings bring to a close CAF’s review of the AFCON 2025 final, which has since been cited by the continental body as a cautionary example.
CAF said the sanctions reflect its broader effort to curb referee intimidation, enforce discipline around VAR decisions, and ensure that players, officials and supporters uphold the standards expected at Africa’s flagship football tournament.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
