Key Highlights
- The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board imposed sanctions on the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football and the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football.
- Sanctions were issued for incidents during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final.
- Individual players and officials from both teams faced suspensions and fines.
- The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football was fined a total of USD 615,000 for various violations.
The CAF Disciplinary Board Imposes Sanctions on Teams in Africa Cup of Nations Final
The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has taken strict measures following the controversial conclusion of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final. The disciplinary board issued comprehensive sanctions against both the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football and the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football, impacting players, officials, and teams in various ways.
Sanctions Against Senegalese Team
The CAF Disciplinary Board decided to suspend Mr Pape Bouna Thiaw, the Head Coach of the Senegalese National Team, for five official CAF matches due to his unsporting conduct. He was also fined USD 100,000. In addition, two players from the Senegalese team were penalized: Mr Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Mr Ismaila Sarr, each receiving a two-match suspension for their unsporting behavior towards referees. The federation itself was fined USD 300,000 for the improper conduct of its supporters, bringing the game into disrepute, and another USD 15,000 due to five players receiving cautions.
Sanctions Against Moroccan Team
The CAF Disciplinary Board also imposed sanctions on the Moroccan National Team. Mr Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two matches, with one of these being a year-long suspension from the date of this decision, for his unsporting behavior. Mr Ismaël Saibari received a three-match suspension and was fined USD 100,000.
The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football was fined USD 200,000 for the inappropriate behavior of stadium ball boys during the match. Additionally, they were penalized USD 15,000 for their National Team’s invasion of the VAR review area and obstruction of the referee’s work. The federation also faced a fine of USD 100,000 due to the use of lasers by supporters during the game.
Rejection of Moroccan Protest
The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football lodged a protest regarding alleged violations by the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football. However, the CAF Disciplinary Board rejected this protest, maintaining their decision based on clear evidence and adherence to the CAF Disciplinary Code.
This decision marks a significant moment in the governance of African football, emphasizing the importance of fair play, integrity, and respect for rules during competitions. The sanctions serve as a reminder that violations will not go unpunished, and all stakeholders must adhere strictly to the CAF Disciplinary Code.
