AFCON 2025 Final: CAF suspends Hakimi, Thiaw, fines Senegal and Morocco

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a sweeping set of disciplinary sanctions following incidents that marred the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco.

In a statement released on Wednesday night, CAF confirmed that its Disciplinary Board imposed penalties on the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), as well as several players and officials, citing violations of the CAF Disciplinary Code related to fair play, loyalty and integrity. The AFCON final, played on January 18, 2026, at Stade Mohammed V in Rabat, descended into disorder in the closing stages of regulation time.

Sanctions handed to Senegal

CAF imposed the heaviest punishments on Senegal, targeting both team officials and players.

Suspensions and Fines

• Pape Bouna Thiaw, head coach of Senegal, was suspended for five CAF matches for unsporting conduct and bringing the game into disrepute.
  • He was also fined $100,000.
• Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye was suspended for two CAF matches for unsporting behaviour towards the referee.
• Ismaila Sarr received a two-match suspension for similar conduct towards match officials.

Financial Penalties

CAF fined the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF):

• $300,000 for the improper conduct of Senegalese supporters
• $300,000 for the unsporting behaviour of players and technical staff
• $15,000 after five Senegal players received cautions during the match

According to CAF, the actions of Senegal’s players, staff and supporters collectively brought the game into disrepute.

CAF punishments for Morocco

Morocco and the FRMF were also sanctioned for multiple breaches during the final.

Player Suspensions

• Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two CAF matches, with one match suspended for a probationary period of one year, following unsporting behaviour.
• Ismaël Saibari was suspended for three CAF matches and fined $100,000 for unsporting conduct.

Federation Fines

CAF fined the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF):

• $200,000 for the inappropriate behaviour of stadium ball boys
• $100,000 for the improper conduct of players and technical staff who invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee
• $15,000 for the use of lasers by Moroccan supporters

What happened in the AFCON 2025 Final?

The final moments of regulation time sparked controversy and chaos. With the match tied 0–0, Senegal had a late goal ruled out for offside. Moments later, a VAR review awarded Morocco a penalty in the eighth minute of added time.

In protest, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw led his players off the pitch, triggering wild scenes that required security intervention. After a delay, Senegal returned to the field. Morocco’s penalty was saved by Édouard Mendy, pushing the game into extra time. Senegal eventually sealed victory when Pape Gueye scored in the fourth minute of the first half of extra time, securing the AFCON title.

Both CAF and FIFA president Gianni Infantino publicly condemned the conduct witnessed during the final.

CAF rejects Morocco’s protest

CAF also ruled on a formal protest lodged by the FRMF, which accused Senegal of violating Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations. “The CAF Disciplinary Board rejected the protest lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football regarding alleged violations by the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football,” CAF confirmed.

While Senegal lifted the AFCON trophy, the fallout from the final continues to reverberate across African football. With high-profile suspensions for Achraf Hakimi and Pape Thiaw, and significant fines imposed on both federations, CAF’s rulings send a clear message ahead of future continental competitions.

SportsLigue