2025 AFCON Final Chaos: CAF Sanctions Senegal, Morocco

As expected, sanctions following the chaotic incidents of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026, have finally been pronounced. The Confederation of African Football, in a communique published on its official website on January 28, 2026, said its Disciplinary Board has sanctioned the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) and the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), as well as several players and officials, for breaching provisions of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

Sanctions Against Senegal

Among other key punishments, Pape Thiaw, the head coach of the Senegalese senior national team, has been suspended for five (5) official CAF matches and being fined the sum of USD 100,000 (over FCFA 54 million) for his unsporting conduct in violation of the CAF Disciplinary Code principles of fair-play and integrity and for bringing the game into disrepute. The Confederation of African Football went ahead to suspend Senegal players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr for two CAF matches each for unsporting behaviour towards the referee. The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) was fined a total of $615,000 (over FCFA 337 million), including $300,000 for the improper conduct of its supporters, $300,000 for the unsporting conduct of its players and technical staff, and $15,000 for team misconduct after five players received cautions.

Sanctions Against Morocco

The host, Morocco, was also sanctioned for their responsibilities in the chaos. Paris Saint-Germain’s star, Achraf Hakimi, has been suspended for two (2) official CAF matches, with one (1) of these matches being suspended for one (1) year from the date of this decision, for his unsporting behaviour. Morocca...