The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board has issued a series of sanctions against the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) and the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) following the chaotic incidents that occurred during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final in Rabat.
Senegal bore the brunt of the penalties. Head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw was suspended for five official CAF matches and fined USD 100,000 for unsporting conduct and bringing the game into disrepute. Two Senegal international players — Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr — received two-match suspensions each for unsporting behaviour towards match officials.
The FSF was also fined a total of USD 615,000, including USD 300,000 for improper conduct by its supporters, USD 300,000 for unsporting behaviour by players and technical staff, and a further USD 15,000 for team misconduct after five players were cautioned during the final.
Morocco’s sanctions involve both individual and federation penalties. Star defender Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two official CAF matches, with one match conditionally suspended for one year. Midfielder Ismaël Saibari received a three-match suspension and was fined USD 100,000. The FRMF was fined USD 315,000 for multiple breaches, including USD 200,000 for inappropriate behaviour by stadium ball boys, USD 100,000 for players and staff invading the VAR review area and obstructing the referee, and USD 15,000 for the use of lasers by supporters.
CAF also dismissed a formal protest lodged by the Moroccan federation alleging violations by Senegal under the Africa Cup of Nations regulations, effectively upholding Senegal’s title and closing the disciplinary proceedings.
The sanctions reflect CAF’s effort to uphold principles of fair play, discipline and integrity in Africa’s flagship football tournament.
By Jones Adzi
