CAF hits Senegal, Morocco with heavy penalties over AFCON final chaos

CAF hits Senegal, Morocco with heavy penalties over AFCON final chaos, sending a powerful message about discipline, accountability, and respect for match officials in African football.

Following chaotic scenes during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 Final, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board issued severe sanctions against both the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) and the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF). In addition, several players and officials received suspensions and fines for breaching the CAF Disciplinary Code.

The decision comes after a final in Rabat that descended into disorder, overshadowing the football and raising serious concerns about fair play, crowd control, and respect for referees.

CAF disciplinary sanctions AFCON final explained

The CAF disciplinary sanctions AFCON final followed an extensive review of match reports, referee statements, and official complaints. According to CAF, the incidents during and after the final violated core principles of integrity, loyalty, and sportsmanship.

Importantly, CAF stressed that responsibility does not stop with players alone. Instead, federations remain accountable for the conduct of their officials, technical staff, and supporters. As a result, the governing body applied sanctions to both finalist nations.

By acting decisively, CAF aimed to protect the credibility of its flagship tournament and deter similar behaviour in future competitions.

Senegal Morocco football penalties – Senegal hit hardest

Sanctions against the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF)

Among the Senegal Morocco football penalties, Senegal received the most severe punishment, including the largest fine ever imposed by CAF.

CAF suspended Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw for five official CAF matches after finding that he engaged in unsporting conduct. During the final, Thiaw led his players off the pitch in protest of a late penalty decision awarded to Morocco. In addition to the suspension, CAF fined him USD 100,000.

Furthermore, CAF punished two Senegalese players for misconduct toward match officials:

• Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye received a two-match suspension

• Ismaila Sarr also received a two-match suspension

CAF then imposed the following financial penalties on FSF:

• USD 300,000 for improper conduct by supporters

• USD 300,000 for unsporting behaviour by players and technical staff

• USD 15,000 after five players received cautions during the match

Altogether, Senegal’s total fine reached USD 615,000, marking a historic disciplinary ruling.

CAF Disciplinary Board decisions against Morocco

Sanctions against the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF)

While Senegal bore the heavier punishment, the CAF Disciplinary Board decisions also addressed misconduct involving the host nation.

Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension, although CAF suspended one of those matches for a one-year probationary period.

Meanwhile, midfielder Ismaël Saibari faced a three-match suspension and a USD 100,000 fine for unsporting behaviour.

CAF also fined FRMF for several organisational and supporter-related issues:

• USD 200,000 for inappropriate behaviour by stadium ball boys

• USD 100,000 for players and officials invading the VAR review area and obstructing the referee

• USD 15,000 for supporters using lasers during the match

In total, Morocco received fines amounting to USD 315,000.

AFCON 2025 final controversy and VAR incidents

The AFCON 2025 final controversy centred largely on officiating disputes and VAR-related incidents. CAF confirmed that players and technical staff entered the VAR review area without authorisation, directly interfering with the referee’s work.

According to CAF, such actions represent serious breaches of Articles 82 and 83 of the Disciplinary Code. Consequently, the governing body emphasised that protecting referees remains a non-negotiable priority.

Moreover, CAF warned that future violations of VAR protocols could lead to even harsher sanctions.

CAF rejects Morocco’s protest

After the final, FRMF lodged a formal protest against FSF, alleging violations of Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations.

However, after reviewing the submission, the CAF Disciplinary Board rejected the protest in its entirety. CAF concluded that the evidence did not support Morocco’s claims and confirmed that the match result would stand.

This decision effectively closed the disciplinary process related to the final.

Strong warning from CAF ahead of future tournaments

By acting firmly, CAF demonstrated zero tolerance for behaviour that damages the image of African football. Officials reiterated that players, coaches, supporters, and auxiliary staff all play a role in maintaining order and respect.

Additionally, CAF noted that high-profile matches demand even higher standards of conduct. As a result, federations can expect swift and decisive action when violations occur.