The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has levied significant sanctions against both Senegal and Morocco following a series of contentious incidents that marred the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat. The final, which saw Senegal triumph over Morocco 1-0 in extra time, was overshadowed by chaotic events on and off the pitch, prompting CAF to take decisive action.
Morocco, the host nation and losing finalist, faces a total of $315,000 in fines. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) received penalties for several breaches, including $200,000 for the "inappropriate behavior of the stadium ball boys," which CAF deemed disruptive to the game's flow. A further $100,000 fine was imposed for the "improper conduct" of players and technical staff who interfered with the VAR review area. Additionally, the FRMF was fined $15,000 after Moroccan supporters used laser pointers, considered a violation of fair play.
Individual sanctions were also handed down to key Moroccan players. Defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension, with one match suspended on probation, while midfielder Ismaël Saibari was suspended for three matches and fined $100,000 for unsporting behavior.
In response to these penalties, the FRMF has announced its intention to appeal CAF's ruling. The federation released a statement asserting its commitment to "preserve all rights guaranteed by the regulations," arguing that the sanctions are not proportionate to the incidents that occurred.
Senegal also faced harsh penalties, with head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw receiving a five-match suspension and a $100,000 fine for conduct that violated fair play and integrity. CAF stated that Thiaw's actions brought the game into disrepute. Furthermore, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) was fined $615,000 for supporter misconduct and player behavior. Senegalese players Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each suspended for two CAF matches for unsporting behavior toward the referee. The FSF has also indicated it will appeal the sanctions.
The AFCON final was plagued by controversial moments, including a disallowed Senegalese goal and a penalty awarded to Morocco, leading to heated protests and disruptions. While play was halted during the disputed penalty decision, some Senegal supporters reportedly threw projectiles and entered the pitch before being stopped by police and security.
CAF's disciplinary board defended its decisions, emphasizing the importance of upholding fair play and respect for the game. The board described the events as a clear breach of the sport's core values, involving unsporting conduct by players, staff, and supporters.
The appeals by both Morocco and Senegal are expected to be closely scrutinized, raising questions about the consistency and fairness of CAF's disciplinary actions. The outcome of these appeals could have significant implications for the image of African football and the future conduct of players, staff, and supporters. Achraf Hakimi and Ismaël Saibari will miss the first matches of the World Cup to be held this summer in the United States, Mexico and Canada.