CAF Issues Heavy Sanctions Following Chaotic AFCON 2025 Final
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board has imposed significant fines and suspensions on the football federations of Senegal and Morocco, alongside several players and officials, for the series of incidents that marred the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final.
The decisions, announced Wednesday, come after a review of violations of the CAF Disciplinary Code during the high-stakes match held in Morocco.
Significant Penalties for Senegal
The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) bears the heaviest financial burden, fined a total of $615,000 for multiple breaches:
· $300,000 for the improper conduct of its supporters.
· $300,000 for the unsporting conduct of its players and technical staff.
· $15,000 for team misconduct after five players received cautions.
Individually, Senegal’s head coach, Pape Bouna Thiaw, has been suspended for five official CAF matches and fined $100,000 for unsporting conduct and bringing the game into disrepute. Players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr each received two-match suspensions for unsporting behaviour towards the match referee.
Sanctions for Hosts Morocco
The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) was fined a total of $315,000:
· $200,000 for the inappropriate behaviour of the stadium’s ball boys.
· $100,000 for its players and staff invading the VAR review area and obstructing the referee.
· $15,000 for supporters’ use of laser pointers.
On the field, Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two matches, with one match suspended for a year. Teammate Ismaël Saibari received a three-match ban and a personal fine of $100,000 for unsporting behaviour.
Protest Dismissed
In a related decision, the Disciplinary Board rejected a formal protest lodged by the FRMF against the FSF regarding alleged violations of tournament regulations during the final.
The sanctions underscore CAF’s stated commitment to enforcing principles of fair play, integrity, and respect, aiming to address the on and off-pitch misconduct that overshadowed the continent’s premier football event
