The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a sweeping set of disciplinary measures against the Senegalese and Moroccan football federations, as well as several players and officials, following the chaotic scenes that marred the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat.
In a statement released on January 28, 2026, CAF confirmed that the punishments stemmed from breaches of its Disciplinary Code, including violations of fair play, loyalty, and integrity during and after the title clash.
MOROCCO Vs SENEGAL
The final, played at the Stade Mohammed V on January 18, 2026, spiraled into controversy in the closing minutes of normal time. With the score locked at 0-0, Senegal had a goal ruled out for offside before a VAR review awarded hosts Morocco a penalty deep into stoppage time.
Furious at the decision, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw led his players off the pitch in protest, triggering heated scenes that required security intervention. After a lengthy delay, Senegal returned to the field, and Morocco’s penalty was saved by Édouard Mendy, sending the match into extra time. Senegal eventually clinched the title when Pape Gueye struck early in the first half of extra time.
The disorder drew condemnation from both CAF and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
CAF’s Disciplinary Ruling on Senegal:
- Fines:
- USD 300,000 for misconduct by supporters
- USD 300,000 for unsporting behaviour by players and officials
- USD 15,000 for team misconduct related to yellow cards
- Total Fines: USD 615,000
- Suspensions:
- Head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw: 5-match suspension and a USD 100,000 fine
- Players Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr: 2-match suspensions
CAF’s Disciplinary Ruling on Morocco:
- Fines:
- USD 200,000 for inappropriate behaviour by stadium ball boys
- USD 100,000 for improper conduct by players and officials
- USD 15,000 for lasers used by Moroccan supporters
- Total Fines: USD 315,000
- Suspensions:
- Achraf Hakimi: 2-match suspension (1 year suspension for one match)
- Ismaël Saibari: 3-match suspension and USD 100,000 fine
Morocco’s Protest Rejected:
CAF rejected a protest filed by the Moroccan Federation, which alleged that Senegal violated regulations. The ruling confirmed Senegal as the rightful AFCON 2025 champions, ending speculation about a potential title reversal.
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