The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed severe disciplinary sanctions on Senegal and Morocco following a series of incidents that overshadowed the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which was played in Morocco and ended amid widespread controversy.
In a statement released on Wednesday, CAF confirmed that players, coaches, and both national football federations were punished for breaches of fair play, respect for match officials, and the integrity of the competition.
Senegal was among the most heavily sanctioned, with head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw receiving a five-match suspension and a fine of $100,000 for his conduct during the final.
Players Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye were each handed two-match suspensions after protesting refereeing decisions, while the Senegalese Football Federation was fined more than $600,000 due to the behavior of its players, coaching staff, and supporters throughout the match and its aftermath.
Morocco also faced significant penalties from CAF, with Achraf Hakimi suspended for two matches, one of which was suspended for a one-year probationary period.
Ismaël Saibari was banned for three matches and fined $100,000, and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation was fined $315,000 for a series of violations, including the invasion of the VAR area, misconduct by ball boys, and the use of laser pointers inside the stadium.
CAF further confirmed that it had rejected the protest lodged by Morocco against Senegal, bringing an official end to the disciplinary proceedings related to the final.
