The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed disciplinary and financial sanctions on Senegal and host nation Morocco following chaotic scenes during and after the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final in Rabat.
In a statement released on Wednesday, 28 January, CAF said its Disciplinary Board had 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.
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VAR decision sparks protests and stoppage
Senegal’s 1–0 extra-time victory over Morocco was overshadowed by protests, pitch-side confrontations and crowd unrest, sparked by a controversial Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decision late in the match.
The final descended into disorder deep into stoppage time with the score at 0–0, when Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review of an incident involving Senegal defender Moussa Diouf and Morocco forward Brahim Díaz.
The decision provoked furious reactions from Senegalese players and officials, several of whom briefly walked off the pitch in protest.
Play was halted for nearly 20 minutes as tensions escalated, forcing security personnel to intervene to prevent a pitch invasion. Senegal captain Sadio Mané was seen urging his teammates to return to the field so the match could resume.
Heavy sanctions for Senegal officials and players
Among the most severe sanctions, Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw was handed a five-match suspension from official CAF competitions for unsporting conduct and for bringing the game into disrepute. He was also fined $100,000.
CAF further suspended Senegal players Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr for two CAF matches each for unsporting behaviour towards the referee.
The FSF was fined a total of $615,000, 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.
Morocco also penalised
Morocco also got punished for their role in the unrest. Defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match CAF suspension, with one match suspended for a year, for unsporting behaviour. Midfielder Ismaël Saibari was banned for three CAF matches and fined $100,000.
The FRMF was fined $100,000 for the improper conduct of its players and technical staff, who invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee, while an additional $15,000 fine was imposed for the use of lasers by Moroccan supporters during the match.
CAF sends strong warning
With the heavy sanctions, CAF said it was sending a strong message on discipline, fair play and respect for match officials across African football.
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