Senegal Accepts CAF Sanctions Following AFCON 2025 Final Controversy
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially concluded its disciplinary proceedings regarding the chaotic scenes that marred the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco. The governing body has imposed significant sporting and financial sanctions on the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) for multiple breaches of its disciplinary code during the championship match held in Rabat.
Substantial Penalties for Multiple Violations
CAF's comprehensive investigation into the post-match disorder has resulted in substantial penalties against Senegal's football establishment. The sanctions come after earlier temporary measures were lifted, with CAF confirming new, definitive punishments against the federation, its technical staff, and players involved in the controversial incidents.
The 2025 AFCON final, which Senegal won 1-0 after extra time against host nation Morocco, was overshadowed by protests, confrontations near the pitch, and significant crowd unrest. These disturbances were primarily triggered by a controversial Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decision late in the match, leading to what CAF described as behavior that damaged the image of African football.
Specific Sanctions and Financial Penalties
Among the most severe punishments was a five-match suspension for Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw, who was found guilty of unsporting conduct and bringing the game into disrepute. The coach also received a substantial fine of $100,000 for his actions during the controversial final moments.
Two key Senegal players, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, each received two-match bans from CAF competitions for unsporting behavior toward match officials. These suspensions will affect their participation in future continental tournaments organized by the African football governing body.
The financial penalties imposed on the Senegalese Football Federation totaled $615,000, broken down into specific categories:
- $300,000 for the improper conduct of supporters during the final
- $300,000 for the behavior of players and technical staff
- $15,000 as a result of five players receiving yellow cards during the match
Senegal's Official Response and Acceptance
In a significant development, the Senegalese Football Federation has officially accepted all sanctions and confirmed it will not appeal the disciplinary ruling. Through an official statement published on its website, the FSF announced it had "taken note of the decision" of CAF's Disciplinary Board and would not challenge either the sporting or financial penalties.
The federation explained that its decision was guided by a desire to respect CAF regulations and protect the integrity of African football. According to their statement, this position aligns with their "statutory obligations" and commitment to promoting discipline and fair play throughout the continent's football community.
Financial Responsibility Assumed by Federation
In a further demonstration of responsibility, the Senegalese Football Federation confirmed it would fully cover all fines imposed on coach Pape Thiaw and players Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye. This decision was made in accordance with Article 91.4 of the CAF Disciplinary Code, which permits national associations to assume financial responsibility for sanctions involving their officials and players.
The federation's statement explicitly noted: "In accordance with the provisions of Article 91.4 of the CAF Disciplinary Code, the Senegalese Football Federation confirms that it assumes full financial responsibility for the fines imposed on its association, its technical staff, and its players."
Closing a Controversial Chapter
By accepting the verdict without appeal, Senegal has effectively brought closure to one of the most controversial disciplinary cases in recent AFCON history. The ruling concludes weeks of intense debate surrounding referee decisions and the dramatic scenes that followed Senegal's championship victory over tournament hosts Morocco.
CAF is understood to have considered the significant reputational damage already suffered by African football as a result of the incident, opting not to impose additional measures beyond the announced punishments. While Senegal will retain its hard-earned AFCON 2025 title, the episode has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the tournament's legacy and highlighted ongoing challenges in maintaining discipline at major football events.
The acceptance of sanctions has drawn praise from some football observers, including Nigerian journalist Bright Akpotabor, who described Senegal's decision not to appeal as "brilliant" and noted that it allows the champions to move forward while maintaining positive relations with the continental football governing body.
