The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has imposed heavy fines and suspensions on Senegal and Morocco following misconduct during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final in Morocco.
In a statement released on Wednesday, CAF said incidents involving supporters, players, and officials during the final violated its Disciplinary Code, particularly principles of fair play, loyalty, and integrity, and brought the game into disrepute.
Sanctions Against Senegal
CAF fined the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) a total of $615,000. The penalties include $300,000 for the improper conduct of supporters, $300,000 for unsporting behaviour by players and technical staff, and $15,000 for team misconduct after five players received cautions.
Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw received a five-match suspension and was fined $100,000 for unsporting conduct. CAF said his actions breached disciplinary principles and undermined the integrity of the match.
Senegalese players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each suspended for two CAF matches for unsporting behaviour toward match officials.
Sanctions Against Morocco
CAF fined the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) a total of $315,000. This includes $200,000 for the inappropriate behaviour of stadium ball boys, $100,000 for players and technical staff who invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee, and $15,000 for the use of lasers by supporters.
Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two CAF matches for unsporting behaviour, with one match suspended under a one-year probationary period. His teammate Ismaël Saibari received a three-match suspension and was fined $100,000.
CAF described the invasion of the VAR area as a serious violation of Articles 82 and 83 of its Disciplinary Code and an unacceptable interference with the referee’s work.
Protest Rejected
The CAF Disciplinary Board also rejected a protest filed by the FRMF against the FSF, ruling that the complaint lacked merit under AFCON regulations.
CAF said the sanctions were necessary to uphold discipline and protect the integrity of African football at its premier competition.