The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed significant fines on both Senegal and Morocco following the chaotic scenes at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final. Ten days after Senegal’s championship win in Rabat, the team is facing penalties for unsporting conduct from its staff, players, and fans, totaling over $700,000.
The sanctions stem from a protest led by Coach Pape Bouna Thiaw, which saw players briefly leave the pitch, claiming the referees were biased in favor of the host nation Morocco after a late goal was disallowed. As a result, Thiaw has been suspended for five matches, while players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismail Sarr have received two-match bans.
Morocco has also been fined over $400,000 for charges including unsporting conduct, obstructing the referee, and fans’ use of lasers. Defender Achraf Hakimi has received a two-match suspension, with one match suspended for a year, and mid-fielder Ismael Saibari has been banned for three matches.
The CAF’s disciplinary actions come after a thorough review of the incidents that marred the final match. Despite the controversy, the CAF has confirmed Senegal as the champions, upholding their 1-0 extra-time win. The organization rejected Morocco’s protest against Senegal over alleged regulation breaches, bringing closure to the matter.
The fines and suspensions serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining sportsmanship and respect for the game, even in the face of controversy. The AFCON final, which showcased the best of African football, was unfortunately overshadowed by the chaotic scenes that followed. The CAF’s swift action demonstrates its commitment to upholding the integrity of the sport and ensuring that such incidents do not recur in the future.
The aftermath of the AFCON final has sparked a wider conversation about the need for improved refereeing standards and more effective crowd control measures in African football. As the sport continues to grow in popularity across the continent, it is essential that stakeholders work together to promote a culture of respect, fair play, and sportsmanship. With the CAF’s disciplinary actions, a clear message has been sent that unsporting behavior will not be tolerated, and the focus can now shift to building on the success of the AFCON tournament and promoting the development of African football.
