CAF slams Senegal and Morocco with suspensions and multi-million rand fines

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed down heavy sanctions to both Senegal and Morocco following the disorderly scenes that overshadowed the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final.

In a statement released this week, the Confederation of African Football confirmed that its Disciplinary Board had imposed suspensions and significant financial penalties on the Senegalese Football Federation and the Moroccan Football Federation, as well as several players and officials, for violations of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

The most severe punishment was reserved for Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw, whose conduct during the tense closing stages of the final drew widespread criticism. 

Thiaw has been suspended for five official CAF matches and fined USD 100,000 (approximately R1.9 million) for unsporting behaviour and for bringing the game into disrepute.

CAF also moved decisively against Senegal’s players, suspending Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye for two official CAF matches after he was found guilty of unsporting conduct towards the referee. 

Ismaila Sarr received an identical two-match suspension for similar behaviour in the aftermath of key officiating decisions.

The Senegalese Football Federation was hit with a series of heavy fines reflecting the scale of the disorder.

CAF imposed a USD 300,000 fine (approximately R5.7 million) for the improper conduct of Senegal supporters, ruling that their actions violated principles of fair play and integrity.

A further USD 300,000 fine (approximately R5.7 million) was issued for the unsporting behaviour of Senegal’s players and technical staff, with CAF noting that their conduct undermined the integrity of the competition and brought the game into disrepute.

An additional USD 15,000 fine (approximately R285,000) was levied after five Senegal players were cautioned during the match.

Morocco, despite being tournament hosts, were also sanctioned following a detailed review of events. 

Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two official CAF matches, although one match has been suspended for a year from the date of the ruling, meaning it will only be enforced if he commits a similar offence.

Ismaël Saibari received a three-match CAF suspension and was fined USD 100,000 (approximately R1.9 million) for unsporting behaviour, as CAF sought to send a clear message about discipline at major continental events.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation was fined USD 200,000 (approximately R3.8 million) for the inappropriate conduct of stadium ball boys, an issue that repeatedly disrupted the flow of the match. 

A further USD 100,000 fine (approximately R1.9 million) was imposed after Moroccan players and technical staff were found to have invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee’s work, in violation of Articles 82 and 83 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

CAF also fined the Moroccan federation USD 15,000 (approximately R285,000) for the use of lasers by supporters inside the stadium.

In a final ruling, CAF dismissed a protest lodged by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, which had alleged violations of Africa Cup of Nations regulations by Senegal. 

The Disciplinary Board rejected the complaint, drawing a line under a final that will be remembered as much for its controversy as for the football played.