CAF hands out stiff punishments to Senegal and Morocco after disorderly scenes in the chaotic AFCON 2025 final
AFCON 2025 Final Chaos: Senegal Coach Banned 5 Matches, Teams Fined Hundreds of Thousands After VAR Drama
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has delivered a strong disciplinary hammer blow to Senegal and hosts Morocco following the chaotic, controversy-filled TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final in Rabat on January 18.
In a statement released Wednesday, January 28, 2026, CAF’s Disciplinary Board sanctioned both federations—the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) and Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF)—along with several players and officials for multiple breaches of the CAF Disciplinary Code during and after the dramatic 1–0 extra-time victory for Senegal.
The match descended into pandemonium in stoppage time when a late VAR review awarded Morocco a penalty for an alleged foul by Senegal defender Moussa Diouf on Brahim Díaz. Furious Senegalese players and staff briefly walked off the pitch in protest, halting play for nearly 20 minutes amid rising tensions and fears of a pitch invasion. Captain Sadio Mané was seen calming teammates and urging a return to allow the game to resume.
When action restarted, Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy produced a heroic save to deny Díaz’s cheeky Panenka attempt. Senegal capitalized in extra time, with Pape Gueye firing in a stunning long-range winner to clinch the title.
The fallout has been severe:
Senegal Sanctions
- Head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw: 5-match suspension + $100,000 fine for unsporting conduct and bringing the game into disrepute.
- Players Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr: 2-match CAF bans each for unsporting behaviour toward the referee.
- FSF total fine: $615,000 — $300,000 for supporter misconduct, $300,000 for unsporting conduct by players/technical staff, and $15,000 for five player cautions during the match.
Morocco Sanctions
- Defender Achraf Hakimi: 2-match suspension (one suspended for one year) for unsporting behaviour.
- Midfielder Ismaël Saibari: 3-match CAF ban + $100,000 fine.
- FRMF total fine: $315,000 — $200,000 for inappropriate ball-boy behaviour, $100,000 for players/staff invading the VAR area and obstructing the referee, and $15,000 for laser pointers used by supporters.
CAF also rejected a formal protest filed by the Moroccan federation alleging violations by Senegal under AFCON regulations Articles 82 and 84, ruling it lacked merit.
The incidents drew sharp international criticism, including from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who condemned the walk-off and supporter behaviour.
“We strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members. It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner,” Mr Infantino said.
“It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport; it is simply not right.”
With these hefty penalties, CAF has sent a clear message on discipline, respect for officials, and fair play as African football closes the book on a tournament remembered for both thrilling football and an unforgettable—but turbulent—final. Read More
