Senegal, Morocco sanctioned after chaotic AFCON final
CAF confirms disciplinary crackdown
The Confederation Africaine de Football has formally imposed sanctions on the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football and the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football following incidents during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final, according to a press release published by CAF Online.
CAF said the actions of players, officials, and supporters during the final violated the CAF Disciplinary Code and undermined principles of fair play, integrity, and respect for match officials.
The ruling, published on Wednesday 28 January 2026, brings official closure to one of the most turbulent finals in the tournament’s history.
How the final descended into disorder
According to reporting by The New Times, the match between Senegal and hosts Morocco unraveled in stoppage time when referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review, ruling that El Hadji Malick Diouf had fouled Brahim Diaz.
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The decision came shortly after a Senegal goal had been disallowed, triggering furious protests from the Senegal bench and players, who surrounded the referee in anger.
Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw then instructed his players to leave the pitch, escalating tensions and briefly halting the final.
Penalty drama and Senegal’s decisive response
As reported by The New Times, Senegal captain Sadio Mané remained on the field and later urged his teammates to return and continue the match, appealing for composure and discipline.
When play resumed, Morocco failed to convert the penalty after Brahim Diaz attempted a Panenka that was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
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Senegal went on to secure victory in extra time, winning their second Africa Cup of Nations title through a decisive goal scored by Pape Gueye.
CAF rejects Morocco protest
Following the final whistle, the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football lodged a protest arguing that Senegal should have been declared losers for leaving the pitch without referee authorization.
CAF’s Disciplinary Board rejected the protest in full, according to CAF Online, ruling that the alleged violations of Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations did not justify overturning the match result.
The title was therefore allowed to stand.
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Sanctions imposed on Senegal officials and players
According to CAF Online, the Disciplinary Board suspended Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw for five official CAF matches for unsporting conduct and bringing the game into disrepute. He was also fined USD 100,000.
Senegal players Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each suspended for two official CAF matches for unsporting behaviour toward the referee.
The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football was fined USD 300,000 for improper conduct by supporters and another USD 300,000 for the unsporting conduct of players and technical staff. An additional USD 15,000 fine was imposed after five Senegal players received cautions during the match.
Moroccan suspensions and federation fines
CAF Online reported that Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi received a two match suspension, with one match suspended for a one year probationary period.
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Ismaël Saibari was banned for three official CAF matches and fined USD 100,000 for unsporting behaviour.
The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football was fined USD 200,000 for the inappropriate conduct of stadium ball boys and USD 100,000 for the actions of players and technical staff who invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee’s work. An additional USD 15,000 fine was issued for the use of lasers by supporters.
A disciplinary signal from CAF
CAF’s decision underscores a firm stance on discipline, particularly in high profile matches with global audiences. By backing match officials and imposing wide ranging sanctions, the governing body has sent a clear warning ahead of future continental tournaments.
Sources: The New Times, CAF
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