In a landmark decision following one of the most chaotic finals in the history of African football, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed severe sanctions on both Senegal and Morocco.
The sanctions address the widespread misconduct that overshadowed Senegal’s 1-0 extra-time victory in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final earlier this month.
The CAF Disciplinary Board levied significant financial penalties and match suspensions against the national federations, their players, and technical staff for violations of the CAF Disciplinary Code, including breaches of the principles of fair play, integrity, and respect for match officials.
In a related decision, the board also formally rejected a protest lodged by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), which had sought to challenge the match result, thereby confirming Senegal’s status as continental champions.
The most severe individual punishment was handed to Senegal’s head coach, Pape Bouna Thiaw, who received a five-match suspension from official CAF competitions and a $100,000 fine. The board cited his “unsporting conduct” and for “bringing the game into disrepute”.
Two Senegalese players, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, were each suspended for two official matches for their unsporting behaviour towards the referee. The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) itself was fined a total of $615,000.
This sum includes separate $300,000 fines for the improper conduct of its supporters and for the unsporting conduct of its players and technical staff, plus an additional $15,000 for the team accruing five cautions during the match.
Morocco’s federation also faced substantial consequences. The FRMF was fined $315,000 for a series of infractions. These included a $200,000 fine for the “inappropriate behaviour of the stadium’s ball boys,” a $100,000 fine for players and staff who “invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee’s work,” and a $15,000 fine for the use of lasers by supporters.
On the pitch, Moroccan midfielder Ismaël Saibari was suspended for three official matches and fined $100,000, while defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match ban, with one match suspended for a year.
The sanctions stem from the explosive incidents that erupted in the dying moments of the final, held at the Stade Mohammed V in Rabat on January 18. With the score tied 0-0 deep into stoppage time, a controversial Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review led to the award of a penalty to Morocco.
The decision incited fury from the Senegalese bench, prompting Coach Thiaw to order his players off the pitch in an unprecedented protest. The ensuing delay, which lasted nearly 20 minutes, was marked by confrontations, attempted pitch invasions by fans, and required intervention from security personnel.
Senegal captain Sadio Mané was instrumental in persuading his teammates to return to the field . When play finally resumed, Moroccan forward Brahim Díaz saw his subsequent “Panenka” penalty saved by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, setting the stage for Pape Gueye’s winning goal in extra time.
The fallout from the final drew immediate condemnation from football’s highest authorities. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who was present at the match, stated, “We strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members.
It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right”.
In its ruling, the CAF Disciplinary Board also addressed the formal protest filed by the Moroccan federation, which alleged violations by Senegal of tournament regulations. The board dismissed the protest, closing the book on any challenge to the match outcome.
The sweeping disciplinary measures underscore CAF’s firm stance on upholding match officials’ authority and the sport’s core values, marking a decisive end to a tumultuous chapter in African football history.