The continental football regulator, Confederation of African Football (CAF) has rejected Morocco’s petition that Senegal’s victory be overruled in it’s favour because they abandoned the match midway and walked out of the pitch.
The decision finally resolved the bitterness that marred the final match at the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) on January 18. The final duel between Senegal and the host Morocco turned sour and unfriendly
In a statement published on Wednesday, 28 January, CAF said its Disciplinary Board sanctioned the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), as well as several players and officials, for breaching provisions of the CAF Disciplinary Code during and after the final.
The AFCON showpiece, which Senegal won 1–0 after extra time, was marred by protests, pitch-side confrontations and crowd unrest sparked by a controversial Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decision late in the game.
Among the most severe punishments was a five-match suspension imposed on Senegal head coach, Pape Bouna Thiaw, for unsporting conduct and for bringing the game into disrepute. The CAF Disciplinary Board also fined him $100,000.
Two Senegal players, Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, were each suspended for two official CAF matches for unsporting behaviour towards the referee. In addition, the FSF was fined a total of $615,000. This included $300,000 for the improper conduct of supporters, another $300,000 for the unsporting conduct of players and technical staff, and $15,000 after five Senegal players received cautions during the match.
Morocco were also sanctioned for several incidents linked to the final. Defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension, with one of the matches suspended for one year, for unsporting behaviour. Midfielder Ismaël Saibari was handed a three-match CAF ban and fined $100,000.
The FRMF was fined $200,000 for the inappropriate behaviour of ball boys during the match, $100,000 for the conduct of players and technical staff who invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee, and $15,000 for the use of laser pointers by Moroccan supporters.
CAF also dismissed a formal protest lodged by the Moroccan federation, which alleged violations by Senegal under Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations. The Disciplinary Board ruled that the protest lacked merit.
CAF said: We strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members. It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner,” Mr Infantino said.
“It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport; it is simply not right.”
The sanctions bring to a close a turbulent chapter in what was otherwise a memorable AFCON tournament.
With the heavy sanctions pronounced, CAF has also passed a firm message on discipline, fair play and respect for match officials in African football.”
