AFCON 2025: CAF Sanctions Senegal, Morocco Over Final Match Disorder

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed disciplinary measures on both Senegal and host nation Morocco following chaotic scenes at the TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 final in Rabat.

According to CAF, its Disciplinary Board found both football federations, along with some players and officials, guilty of violating the CAF Disciplinary Code due to incidents that occurred during and after the final.

Although Senegal secured a 1–0 victory over Morocco after extra time, the match ended in controversy, with protests, on-field altercations, and crowd disturbances triggered by a disputed VAR decision late in the game.

As part of the sanctions, Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw was banned for five matches and fined $100,000 for conduct deemed damaging to the image of the sport.

Senegal players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr received two-match CAF bans for unsporting behaviour.

The Senegal federation was fined 615,000 dollars.

Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi got a two-match suspension, one suspended for a year. Midfielder Ismaël Saibari received a three-match ban and 100,000-dollar fine.

The Moroccan federation was fined 315,000 dollars for ball boys’ misconduct, VAR area invasion by officials and players, and supporters’ use of laser pointers.

CAF also dismissed Morocco’s protest alleging regulatory breaches by Senegal, ruling that the complaint lacked merit under AFCON regulations.

The final descended into chaos after a VAR-awarded penalty to Morocco triggered protests and a brief walk-off by Senegalese players, halting play for nearly 20 minutes.

Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy later saved Brahim Díaz’s penalty, before Pape Gueye scored in extra time to secure Senegal’s historic victory.

Before the sanctions, FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the incidents, describing the scenes as unacceptable.

“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,” 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.”

CAF said the sanctions underscored its stance on discipline, fair play and respect for match officials, closing a turbulent chapter of AFCON 2025.