CAF Announces Disciplinary Measures Following AFCON 2025 Final Disturbance
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially imposed substantial sanctions on both Morocco and Senegal in response to the unacceptable scenes that marred the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. The disciplinary actions come after a thorough investigation into the events that unfolded during the championship match held on January 18 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Controversial Final Match and Walkout Incident
Senegal secured their second AFCON trophy with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Morocco after 120 minutes of intense football. However, the historic achievement was overshadowed by controversial incidents that prompted CAF's disciplinary committee to take decisive action. The match reached a critical turning point when Teranga Lions head coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players to stage a walkout in protest against referee Jean-Jacques Ndala's decisions during the final minutes.
The protest was triggered by what Thiaw perceived as "injustice" after the referee awarded a penalty to Morocco minutes after disallowing what appeared to be a legitimate goal by Ismaila Sarr. This dramatic moment saw Senegal players leaving the pitch, creating unprecedented scenes in African football history. Sanity was eventually restored when captain Sadio Mane, after consulting with football legends Mamadou Niang, Claude Le Roy, and El Hadji Diouf, recalled his teammates to continue the match.
Comprehensive Sanctions Against Senegal
CAF has handed down severe penalties to the Senegalese football contingent for multiple violations during the final match. Head coach Pape Thiaw received the heaviest individual sanction, facing a five-match suspension and a substantial $100,000 fine for his unsporting behavior that breached fundamental principles of fair play and integrity.
The disciplinary measures extended to players as well, with Senegalese stars Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr each receiving two-match suspensions for their inappropriate conduct toward match officials. The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) was hit with a massive $615,000 fine for three separate offenses committed during the championship match.
- $300,000 fine for improper conduct by supporters
- $300,000 fine for unsporting behavior by players and technical crew
- $15,000 fine after five players received yellow cards during the match
Disciplinary Actions Against Morocco
Moroccan football authorities also faced significant penalties for their role in the final match disturbances. Defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension, with one match suspended for one year from the decision date, for his unsporting conduct during the heated encounter.
Ismael Saibari faced even stiffer punishment, receiving a three-match suspension and a $100,000 fine for his involvement in the controversial towel incident that disrupted match proceedings. The Moroccan Football Federation (FMRF) was fined $200,000 specifically for the inappropriate behavior of ball boys, who were found to have assaulted Senegalese goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf.
Additional penalties against Morocco included:
- $100,000 fine for players invading the VAR review area and interfering with match officials
- $15,000 fine for supporters' use of laser pointers during the match
- Total financial penalty of $315,000 imposed on the Moroccan federation
CAF Rejects Morocco's Petition and FIFA's Position
In a significant development, CAF has formally rejected Morocco's petition seeking to strip Senegal of their AFCON 2025 title. The Moroccan federation had reportedly invoked Articles 82 and 84 of AFCON regulations in their appeal, but CAF's disciplinary committee found insufficient grounds to overturn the match result.
The world football governing body FIFA has communicated its position to CAF, confirming that sanctions against both nations will remain within the jurisdiction of African football authorities. This clarification ensures that CAF maintains full authority over disciplinary matters related to continental competitions while adhering to global football governance standards.
The comprehensive sanctions serve as a strong message from CAF about maintaining discipline and sportsmanship in African football, particularly during high-stakes tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations. The disciplinary measures aim to deter similar incidents in future competitions while upholding the integrity of the beautiful game across the continent.
