CAF Slams Senegal, Morocco With Heavy Sanctions After Chaotic 2025 AFCON Final

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed down firm sanctions to Senegal and Morocco following the chaotic scenes that marred the 2025 AFCON final played on January 18.

Despite the drama on and off the pitch, CAF has officially confirmed Senegal as champions, rejecting Morocco’s protest to annul the match.

CAF Sanctions Senegal and Morocco After AFCON Final Chaos

The final, which should have been a showpiece of African football, spiralled into controversy after questionable refereeing decisions, crowd trouble, and unsporting conduct from both camps.

CAF reviewed the incidents over the weekend before announcing its verdict on Thursday.

CAF’s disciplinary committee ruled that both federations breached multiple regulations during the 2025 AFCON final, leading to hefty fines and suspensions.

Morocco had formally protested, claiming Senegal should be stripped of the title due to alleged violations. However, CAF dismissed the protest outright and upheld Senegal’s victory.

Senegal Remain AFCON Champions Despite Sanctions

Senegal’s title remains intact, but the Teranga Lions were not spared punishment. CAF cited crowd disorder, player misconduct, and actions that brought the game into disrepute.

Sanctions against Senegal Football Federation (FSF):

$300,000 fine for supporters’ improper conduct

$300,000 fine for unsporting behaviour by players and officials

$15,000 fine for disciplinary misconduct (five yellow cards)

Total fine: $615,000

Suspensions:

Coach Pape Thiaw: 5 CAF matches ban + $100,000 fine

Iliman Ndiaye: 2-match CAF ban

Ismaila Sarr: 2-match CAF ban

Morocco Punished as CAF Rejects Protest

CAF also punished the Morocco Football Federation (FRMF) for several incidents involving players, officials, ball boys, and supporters during the AFCON final controversy.

Sanctions against Morocco Football Federation (FRMF):

$200,000 fine for ball boys’ inappropriate behaviour

$100,000 fine for players and staff invading the referee review area

$15,000 fine for fans’ use of lasers

Total fine: $315,000

Suspensions:

Achraf Hakimi: 2-match CAF ban (one match suspended for one year)

Ismael Saibari: 3-match CAF ban + $100,000 fine

CAF Sends Strong Message Ahead of Future Tournaments

While Senegal celebrate their AFCON triumph, both federations now face financial penalties and key absences in upcoming CAF competitions.

The CAF sanctions Senegal and Morocco decision is expected to set a strong precedent for discipline and conduct in African football moving forward.