Former CAF Disciplinary Chairman Blasts Continental Body Over Morocco and Senegal Penalties
Raymond Hack, the former Chief Executive Officer of the South African Football Association and ex-chairman of the CAF Disciplinary Committee, has launched a scathing critique against the Confederation of African Football's handling of sanctions following the chaotic conclusion to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament. The continental football governing body imposed multiple penalties on both Morocco and Senegal after disgraceful conduct marred the final match at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Controversial Final Sparks Multiple Disciplinary Actions
The 35th edition of Africa's premier football competition descended into controversy during the championship match, prompting CAF to take decisive disciplinary measures. Senegal's head coach Pape Thiaw received a five-match international suspension and a substantial $100,000 fine for unsporting behavior that violated the Laws of the Game. This punishment stemmed from Thiaw ordering his Teranga Lions players to stage a walkout after the referee awarded a late penalty against them.
CAF further disciplined two Senegal players—Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr—with two-match suspensions each for their confrontational conduct toward match officials. The Senegalese Football Federation faced a significant $615,000 penalty for three separate offences involving technical crew members and supporters during the heated encounter.
Moroccan Team Faces Multiple Sanctions
The Moroccan side also received substantial punishments from the continental football body. Achraf Hakimi, the 2025 CAF Player of the Year, received a two-match suspension for unsporting behavior during the final. Teammate Ismael Saibari received an even harsher three-match ban plus a $100,000 fine for his involvement in what has been termed the "towel saga," where Moroccan players allegedly attempted to distract the opposing goalkeeper by removing his sweat towels.
The Moroccan Football Federation incurred multiple financial penalties totaling $315,000 for various infractions including inappropriate actions by ball boys targeting goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf, players invading the VAR review area to interfere with match officials, and supporters using laser pointers during the match.
Hack Condemns CAF's Disciplinary Approach
Former disciplinary chief Raymond Hack expressed strong dissatisfaction with what he described as CAF's "sanctions meltdown" and lenient approach to punishing both nations. The experienced football administrator argued that the penalties fail to send a strong enough message about maintaining discipline in African football.
"Everything that happened was triggered by this individual leading his players off the field and preventing them from continuing the match," Hack stated, referring to Senegal coach Pape Thiaw's actions. "Players know the referee's decision is final, whether you think he is right, wrong, or even biased, you must comply."
Hack particularly criticized the two-match suspensions given to players who confronted the referee during VAR reviews, calling them "hardly significant" punishments for bringing the game into disrepute. The former disciplinary chairman suggested that such incidents should have resulted in immediate red cards during the match itself.
Calls for Stricter Football Discipline
The former SAFA CEO emphasized that CAF's current approach sends the wrong message about the organization's commitment to enforcing discipline in continental competitions. Hack revealed that, had he still been in a disciplinary position, he would have advocated for much harsher penalties including at least six-month suspensions from all football activities for the most serious offenders.
"This sends the wrong message that CAF is not firm enough in enforcing discipline," Hack asserted. "If I were there, I would have called for at least a six-month suspension from all football activities."
Meanwhile, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has reportedly tendered an unreserved apology to CAF for his conduct during the final, explaining that his emotions overcame him due to what he described as poor officiating during the tense closing moments of the championship match.
The controversy surrounding the 2025 AFCON final and subsequent disciplinary actions continues to spark debate within African football circles about appropriate sanctions for misconduct and the maintenance of sporting integrity during high-stakes continental competitions.
