The Confederation of African Football Disciplinary Board has imposed severe sanctions on both the Senegalese Football Federation and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation following multiple incidents during the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final. The combined fines exceed $1.1 million, with several coaches and players receiving match suspensions for unsporting conduct.
Senegal's federation faces the heavier financial penalty, with total fines reaching $715,000. Head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw received a five-match ban from official CAF competitions and a personal fine of $100,000 for unsporting conduct and bringing the game into disrepute. The federation was also fined $300,000 for supporter misconduct and another $300,000 for player and staff unsporting behavior during the match.
Two Senegalese players will miss upcoming CAF competitions due to their behavior toward match officials. Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr each received two-match suspensions for unsporting behavior directed at the referee. The federation was additionally fined $15,000 for accumulating five player cautions during the final.
Morocco's Royal Football Federation was sanctioned with total fines of $415,000 for various infractions. Star defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match ban, though one match is suspended for one year, for unsporting behavior. Midfielder Ismael Saibari faces a harsher punishment with a three-match suspension and a personal fine of $100,000 for his conduct during the final.
The Moroccan federation was fined $200,000 specifically for ball boy misconduct that disrupted the flow of the match. An additional $100,000 penalty was imposed for obstruction of the VAR area during crucial review moments. The federation also received a $15,000 fine after supporters were caught using laser pointers directed at opposing players.
In a separate ruling, the CAF Disciplinary Board rejected Morocco's formal protest regarding alleged violations by the Senegalese federation. The protest had sought to overturn aspects of the match result or impose additional sanctions on Senegal, but the board found insufficient grounds to uphold the complaint.
The sanctions reflect CAF's commitment to maintaining discipline and sportsmanship in African football's premier competition. Both federations have the right to appeal the decisions through CAF's established procedures. The suspensions will affect upcoming World Cup qualifiers and other continental competitions for both nations.
--- OFFICIAL CAF STATEMENT ---
The CAF Disciplinary Board, after examining the incidents that occurred during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final, has decided to impose the following sanctions:
SANCTIONS AGAINST FÉDÉRATION SÉNÉGALAISE DE FOOTBALL (FSF):
- Head Coach Pape Bouna Thiaw: Suspension for 5 official CAF matches and a fine of USD 100,000 for unsporting conduct in violation of the CAF Disciplinary Code principles. - Player Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye: Suspension for 2 official CAF matches for unsporting behavior toward the referee. - Player Ismaila Sarr: Suspension for 2 official CAF matches for unsporting behavior toward the referee. - Fine of USD 300,000 for improper conduct of supporters. - Fine of USD 300,000 for unsporting conduct of players and technical staff. - Fine of USD 15,000 for misconduct (5 cautions).
SANCTIONS AGAINST FÉDÉRATION ROYALE MAROCAINE DE FOOTBALL (FRMF):
- Player Achraf Hakimi: Suspension for 2 official CAF matches (1 match suspended for 1 year) for unsporting behavior. - Player Ismaël Saibari: Suspension for 3 official CAF matches and a fine of USD 100,000 for unsporting behavior. - Fine of USD 200,000 for inappropriate behavior of ball boys. - Fine of USD 100,000 for invasion and obstruction of the VAR area by staff members. - Fine of USD 15,000 for laser use by supporters.
PROTEST DECISION: The CAF Disciplinary Board has rejected the protest submitted by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football regarding alleged violations by the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football.
Comments