CAF Slaps Heavy Fines and Match Bans on Senegal, Morocco After AFCON 2025 Final Chaos
Story: written by Springnewsng January 29,2026
The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has issued a raft of fines and suspensions to Senegal and Morocco following disciplinary breaches during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 final.
In a statement released on Wednesday after concluding its investigations, CAF said the behaviour witnessed during the final violated key provisions of its Disciplinary Code, particularly those relating to fair play, loyalty, and integrity.
According to CAF, the incidents that unfolded during the showpiece match damaged the image of the game and amounted to serious misconduct under its regulations.
Penalties for Senegal
The most severe individual punishment was handed to Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw, who received a five-match suspension from official CAF competitions and a USD 100,000 fine for unsporting behaviour.
CAF stated that the sanction was imposed for conduct that breached disciplinary principles and brought the game into disrepute.
Two Senegalese players, Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, were each banned for two CAF matches after being found guilty of inappropriate conduct toward match officials.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) was also heavily fined, receiving:
USD 300,000 for the misconduct of its supporters,
USD 300,000 for the behaviour of players and technical staff, and
USD 15,000 for team misconduct after five players were booked.
CAF said the actions of Senegal’s supporters and officials contributed to a hostile environment that undermined the integrity of the final.
Sanctions Against Morocco
Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi was handed a two-match suspension, with one match suspended for a one-year probation period, for unsporting conduct. His teammate Ismaël Saibari was banned for three matches and fined USD 100,000.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was also penalised on multiple counts, including:
USD 200,000 for inappropriate conduct by stadium ball boys,
USD 100,000 for the invasion of the VAR review area by players and technical staff, and
USD 15,000 for the use of laser pointers by supporters.
CAF described the obstruction of the referee during VAR checks as a serious violation of Articles 82 and 83 of its Disciplinary Code.
Morocco’s Protest Dismissed
CAF also confirmed that it rejected a formal protest filed by the FRMF, which accused the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) of breaching Articles 82 and 84 of AFCON regulations during the final.
The Disciplinary Board ruled that the protest lacked merit and dismissed it in ful
