Morocco Formally Challenges CAF Over AFCON 2025 Final Sanctions
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has delivered a strong message to the Confederation of African Football regarding the sanctions imposed following the controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. This development comes after CAF's disciplinary board issued punishments to both Morocco and Senegal for incidents during the championship match on January 18, 2026.
The Controversial Final and Immediate Aftermath
Senegal emerged victorious in the AFCON 2025 tournament, securing their second continental title with Pape Gueye's decisive strike during the fourth minute of extra time. However, the match was marred by significant disruption that lasted approximately seventeen minutes during the final stages of regular time. The controversy erupted when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty to Morocco in the dying seconds of the ninety-minute period.
This decision prompted Senegal's coach Pape Thiaw to order his Teranga Lions players to leave the pitch in protest. Veteran forward Sadio Mane intervened, successfully appealing to his teammates to return to the field and continue the match. Moroccan midfielder Brahim Diaz subsequently missed the crucial penalty, ultimately leading to Senegal's championship victory.
CAF's Disciplinary Actions and Specific Sanctions
The Confederation of African Football launched an immediate investigation into the chaotic incidents that unfolded during the final match. After thorough review by the Disciplinary Board, CAF imposed significant penalties on both national federations involved in the championship clash.
For Morocco, the sanctions included:
- A two-match suspension for defender Achraf Hakimi
- A three-match suspension for midfielder Ismail Saibari
- A $100,000 fine against Saibari for unsporting behavior
- A $200,000 fine for improper conduct by ballboys
- A $100,000 fine for player misconduct
- A $15,000 fine for fans' use of laser pointers
Senegal received even stricter penalties, including a five-match suspension for coach Pape Thiaw and a substantial cumulative fine of $615,000 against their football federation for various infractions during the final.
Morocco's Official Rejection and Appeal Process
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has formally rejected CAF's sanctions, issuing an official statement expressing strong disapproval of the disciplinary measures. The federation emphasized that after careful review of the rulings, they determined the punishments to be disproportionate to the actual events that occurred during the championship match.
In their official communication, the Moroccan federation stated: "Given that the sanctions imposed by the Disciplinary Committee are disproportionate to the gravity of these events, as emphasized in the official correspondence sent by the President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation to the President of the Confederation of African Football, and in its commitment to upholding all rights guaranteed by law, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation has decided to appeal these rulings."
The federation specifically referenced the withdrawal of Senegalese players and staff from the pitch, the storming of the field by Senegalese fans, and the resulting chaos and riots as factors in their decision to challenge the sanctions.
Contrasting Responses from the Involved Nations
While Morocco has chosen to contest CAF's disciplinary actions, Senegal has taken a different approach to the situation. The Senegalese Football Federation has officially accepted the sanctions imposed by CAF and notified the continental governing body that they will not appeal the punishments.
Furthermore, Senegal's federation has committed to bearing full financial responsibility for all sanctions levied against their team, including those targeting coach Pape Thiaw and player Iliman Ndiaye. This contrasting response sets the stage for a potentially protracted legal battle between CAF and the Moroccan football authorities, while Senegal moves forward with accepting the consequences of the final's disruptions.
CAF has yet to formally respond to Morocco's notice of appeal, leaving the football community awaiting further developments in this high-profile disciplinary case that has captured attention across the African continent and beyond.
