By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Kenya, January 29 2026 - The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has taken firm disciplinary action against both Senegal and Morocco after a series of controversial incidents during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat. These decisions come after a full review by CAF’s Disciplinary Board of conduct that was judged to have violated the CAF Disciplinary Code.
Senegal Hit With Tough Penalties
Senegal, who won the final 1-0 after extra time, faced the harsher side of the sanctions due to several breaches of CAF’s standards. Head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw was handed a five-match suspension from official CAF competitions and fined $100,000 for unsporting conduct and actions that brought the game into disrepute.
Two Senegalese internationals, Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr, were each suspended for two official CAF matches for unsporting behaviour toward the referee. Meanwhile, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) was fined a significant $615,000. That total includes $300,000 for the improper conduct of supporters, another $300,000 for unsporting behaviour by players and technical staff, and an extra $15,000 for team misconduct during the final.
Morocco and its national team were not exempt from punishment. Defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension, although one match of that ban was suspended on probation, and midfielder Ismaël Saibari was handed a three-match suspension and fined $100,000 for unsporting behaviour.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was fined $315,000 for multiple breaches. These included inappropriate conduct by stadium ball boys, interference with the VAR review area by players and staff, and the use of laser pointers by supporters, all actions seen as violations of fair play and integrity standards.
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Morocco had lodged a formal protest seeking to overturn the final result, partly related to Senegal briefly leaving the pitch in protest against a late penalty decision. However, CAF’s disciplinary board rejected the appeal and confirmed that Senegal’s victory and title remain valid.
CAF’s sanctions highlight the importance placed on discipline and respect within Africa’s premier football competition. Actions involving officials, players, staff, and supporters that violate fair play principles are now being met with strict consequences, even when they occur on the biggest stage.
The punishments apply to CAF competitions only, meaning they will affect future Continental tournaments but not necessarily global competitions such as the World Cup, unless separate regulations come into play.
These disciplinary measures aim to reinforce standards at the highest level of African football and serve as a reminder that conduct on and off the pitch is under scrutiny as the sport continues to grow across the continent.
