The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed sanctions on Senegal and host nation Morocco following disorder that marred the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final in Rabat.
CAF said its Disciplinary Board penalised the two football federations, as well as several players and officials, for breaches of the CAF Disciplinary Code during and after the final match.
Senegal defeated Morocco 1–0 after extra time, but the final was overshadowed by protests, pitch confrontations and crowd unrest, which followed a controversial Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decision late in the game.
As part of the sanctions, Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw was handed a five-match suspension and fined $100,000 for unsporting conduct and bringing the game into disrepute. Senegal players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr also received two-match suspensions for unsporting behaviour.
The Senegalese Football Federation was fined a total of $615,000 for the actions of its players and officials.
On the Moroccan side, defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension, with one match suspended for a year, while midfielder Ismaël Saibari was handed a three-match ban and fined $100,000.
CAF also fined the Moroccan Football Federation $315,000 over misconduct by ball boys, the invasion of the VAR area by officials and players, and the use of laser pointers by supporters.
In addition, CAF dismissed Morocco’s protest alleging regulatory breaches by Senegal, ruling that the complaint lacked merit under AFCON regulations.
The final descended into chaos after a VAR-awarded penalty to Morocco sparked protests and a brief walk-off by Senegalese players, leading to a stoppage that lasted nearly 20 minutes. Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy later saved the penalty taken by Brahim Díaz before Pape Gueye scored in extra time to secure Senegal’s victory.
CAF said the sanctions reaffirm its commitment to discipline, fair play and respect for match officials, bringing a turbulent AFCON 2025 campaign to a close.
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