AFCON 2025 Final Fallout: CAF Sanctions Senegal and Morocco

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed severe penalties on Senegal and Morocco following the chaotic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final earlier this month. Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has been banned from five CAF matches for "unsporting conduct" and "bringing the game into disrepute" during the decider in Rabat on January 18, which Senegal won 1-0 after extra time. 

The Senegalese forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr received two-match bans for unsporting behavior towards the referee. The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) was fined a total of $615,000 for various offenses during the final, including the unsporting conduct of their players and technical staff.

Moroccan forward Ismael Saibari was handed a three-match ban and a fine of $100,000 for unsporting behavior, while captain and defender Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two matches. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was fined $200,000 for the "inappropriate behavior of the stadium ball boys" and an additional $100,000 for the improper conduct of players and technical staff who invaded the VAR review area.

The bans of Thiaw and the four players relate to CAF matches and will not affect preparations by Senegal and Morocco for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.