The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a series of disciplinary sanctions against both the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) and the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) following the controversial events that surrounded the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 Final in Rabat, Morocco.
The final match — which saw Senegal defeat Morocco 1-0 after extra time — was overshadowed by unsporting behavior from teams, officials, supporters and staff, leading CAF’s Disciplinary Board to take action under its Code of Conduct.
Sanctions Against Senegal (FSF)
The disciplinary panel ruled that the Senegalese team and officials violated principles of fair play and integrity. Key sanctions include:
- Head Coach Pape Bouna Thiaw was suspended for five official CAF matches and fined $100,000 USD for unsporting conduct that brought the game into disrepute.
- Players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr each received two-match suspensions for unsporting behavior toward the referee.
- The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) was fined $615,000 USD — including fines for supporter misconduct, players’ conduct, and team actions that violated CAF rules.
CAF also rejected a protest by Morocco alleging that Senegal violated specific competition rules during the match, meaning the original result stands as Senegal’s victory.
Sanctions Against Morocco (FRMF)
Morocco’s national team and support structures were also penalized:
- Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two official CAF matches, one of which is suspended for one year subject to conditions.
- Ismaël Saibari was handed a three-match suspension and fined $100,000 USD for unsporting behavior on the pitch.
- The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was fined a total of roughly $315,000 USD for several breaches, including:
- $200,000 USD due to inappropriate behavior by ball boys.
- $100,000 USD for players and technical staff obstructing the VAR review area.
- $15,000 USD for the use of lasers by supporters during the match.
Why These Sanctions Were Issued
CAF stated the disciplinary measures were necessary to uphold the principles of fair play, respect, and integrity at the highest level of African football. The final was marred by:
- A temporary walk-off by Senegalese players in protest of a late VAR decision.
- Clashes and misconduct among players, technical staff, and supporters.
- Attempts to enter restricted areas such as the VAR review zone. CAF’s disciplinary board also emphasized that reinforcing sportsmanship and respect for officials and the game is essential to maintain the credibility of major competitions.
What This Means Going Forward
While all sanctions currently apply to CAF competitions only (not FIFA World Cup qualifiers or global matches), these decisions are significant. They send a message to national teams, officials, supporters and federations that misconduct — even in the name of passion — can have real sporting consequences.
Both Senegal and Morocco remain football giants in Africa, and their participation in future CAF tournaments may be impacted by these suspensions. Fans, analysts and officials are now debating whether these penalties will deter future incidents or fuel deeper rivalries.
Summary of Key Penalties
Senegal (FSF):
- Coach suspended 5 matches & fined $100,000
- Two players suspended 2 matches each
- Federation fined $615,000
Morocco (FRMF):
- Two players suspended (2–3 matches)
- Federation fined over $315,000
- Additional fines for supporters and staff actions
CAF’s disciplinary action closes a dramatic chapter in African football — but it also raises questions about competitive conduct, sporting integrity and how emotional moments in sport are handled at the highest level.
Somali Media will continue to follow the fallout and what it means for future CAF competitions, including the impact on teams, coaches and fans across the continent.
