AFCON 2025 Final: CAF Cracks Down On Senegal, Morocco
By AUGUSTUS ISICHEI
Disciplinary Action Follows AFCON 2025 Showdown
CAF’s Disciplinary Board has issued sanctions against Senegal and Morocco following the 2025 AFCON final, citing multiple breaches of fair play and match integrity rules.
Senegal Penalized Heavily
Senegal received severe penalties. Head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw was suspended for five CAF matches and fined $100,000 for unsporting conduct. Two Senegalese players, Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr, were suspended for two matches each for misconduct toward the referee.
The FSF was fined $615,000 due to fan misbehavior, technical staff infractions, and multiple yellow cards received by the team during the final.
Moroccan Sanctions
Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two matches, with one match deferred for one year, while midfielder Ismaël Saibari was banned for three CAF matches and fined $100,000.
The FRMF faced fines totaling $315,000 for misconduct involving ball boys, VAR interference, and the use of laser pointers by fans.
CAF’s Stance
CAF rejected Morocco’s complaint alleging Senegal’s regulatory violations. The organization stated that the sanctions reflect its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of African football and ensuring respect for referees and officials in all competitions.
