CAF Hands Fines, Suspensions To Senegal, Morocco Over AFCON 2025 Final Incidents

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board has imposed a series of suspensions and heavy fines on the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), as well as several players and officials, following incidents during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 final.

In a statement issued on Wednesday after its review, CAF said the conduct during the final breached its Disciplinary Code, particularly the principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity.

CAF said the incidents that occurred during the final brought the game into disrepute and constitute serious violations of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

Sanctions against Senegal

The heaviest individual sanction was imposed on Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw, who was suspended for five official CAF matches and fined USD 100,000 for unsporting conduct.

According to CAF, the coach was suspended “for his unsporting conduct in violation of the CAF Disciplinary Code principles of fair play and integrity and for bringing the game into disrepute”.

Two Senegalese players were also punished. Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each suspended for two official CAF matches for unsporting behaviour towards the referee.

The FSF itself was hit with multiple fines, including: USD 300,000 for the improper conduct of its supporters, USD 300,000 for the unsporting conduct of its players and technical staff, and USD 15,000 for team misconduct after five players received cautions.

CAF noted that the behaviour of both supporters and team officials contributed to an atmosphere that undermined the integrity of the match.

Sanctions against Morocco

Morocco international Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two official CAF matches, with one match suspended for a probationary period of one year, for unsporting behaviour. His teammate Ismaël Saibari received a three-match suspension and a USD 100,000 fine.

The FRMF was also fined on several counts: USD 200,000 for the inappropriate behaviour of stadium ball boys, USD 100,000 for improper conduct by players and technical staff who invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee, and USD 15,000 for the use of lasers by supporters during the match.

CAF described the invasion of the VAR area as a serious breach of Articles 82 and 83 of the CAF Disciplinary Code and an unacceptable interference with the referee’s work.

“To fine the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) USD 100,000 for the improper conduct of their National Team players and technical staff, who invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee’s work, in violation of the principles of fair play and integrity, as stated in Articles 82 and 83 of the CAF Disciplinary Code,” it said.

“To fine the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) USD 15,000 for the use of lasers by its supporters during the aforementioned match.”

Protest rejected

The Disciplinary Board also rejected a protest lodged by the FRMF, which alleged violations by the FSF of Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations.

It said, “On the protest that was lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) regarding alleged violations by the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) violations of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations.

“The CAF Disciplinary Board rejected the protest lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) regarding alleged violations by the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, relating to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final.”