Temidayojnr
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a series of sanctions against both the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) and the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) following incidents that occurred during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final. The disciplinary action comes after a highly controversial match between Senegal and the host nation Morocco, which Senegal won 1-0 after extra time.
The board suspended Pape Bouna Thiaw, head coach of the Senegal national team, for five official CAF matches due to unsporting conduct and bringing the game into disrepute. He was also fined USD 100,000.
Two Senegalese players — Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr — were each suspended for two official CAF matches for unsporting behaviour towards the referee.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) was fined substantial amounts:
Sanctions Against Morocco
Rejected Protest
The AFCON 2025 final, played in Rabat on 18 January 2026, was marred by multiple flashpoints. Senegal briefly walked off the pitch in protest against a referee decision related to a VAR-assisted penalty, before returning to finish the match and secure victory. The match also saw fan disturbances and confrontations between supporters and security personnel. In the days following, CAF opened disciplinary proceedings against both federations for violations of its Disciplinary Code.
CAF’s Disciplinary Board ruled that several actions by the Senegalese team and officials constituted breaches of principles of fair play, integrity, and respect for match officials. The key sanctions include:
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Head Coach Suspension and Fine
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Player Suspensions
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Federation Fines
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USD 300,000 for improper conduct by supporters, which CAF said brought the game into disrepute.
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USD 300,000 for unsporting conduct by players and technical staff.
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USD 15,000 for misconduct involving five players who received cautions during the match.
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Morocco also faced penalties for violations of the CAF Disciplinary Code during the final:
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Player Suspensions and Fines
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Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two official CAF matches, with one match deferred for one year, for unsporting behaviour.
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Ismaël Saibari received a three-match suspension and was fined USD 100,000.
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Federation Fines
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USD 200,000 was imposed on the Moroccan federation for inappropriate behaviour by stadium ball boys during the match.
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USD 100,000 was levied for improper conduct by players and technical staff who entered the VAR review area and obstructed the referee’s duties.
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USD 15,000 was charged for the use of lasers by supporters at the stadium.
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The Royal Moroccan Football Federation had lodged a formal protest alleging violations by Senegal under specific AFCON regulations. CAF’s Disciplinary Board rejected Morocco’s protest, meaning no further sanctions were imposed on Senegal beyond those already announced.