The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed sweeping disciplinary measures on Senegal and Morocco following incidents that marred the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, handing out suspensions and substantial fines to players, coaches and football authorities.
In a statement released late Wednesday, CAF said its Disciplinary Board reached the decisions after establishing breaches of the CAF Disciplinary Code, citing violations of fair play, loyalty and integrity during and after the final.
Among the most severe sanctions was a five-match suspension for Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw, who CAF said was guilty of “unsporting conduct” and “bringing the game into disrepute.”
“Mr Pape Bouna Thiaw was also fined USD 100,000,” the governing body stated.
CAF also moved against members of the Senegalese squad, suspending Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye for two official CAF matches for unsporting behaviour towards the referee. Fellow international Ismaila Sarr received a similar two-match ban for conduct directed at the match official.
The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) was hit with fines totalling USD 615,000. CAF fined the federation USD 300,000 for the improper conduct of its supporters, which it said brought the game into disrepute, and an additional USD 300,000 for the unsporting behaviour of its players and technical staff.
A further USD 15,000 fine was imposed on the FSF after five Senegal players were cautioned during the match.
Morocco and its football authorities were also sanctioned. CAF suspended defender Achraf Hakimi for two official CAF matches, although one of the bans was suspended for a one-year probationary period, following a finding of unsporting behaviour.
Midfielder Ismaël Saibari was handed a three-match suspension and fined USD 100,000 for unsporting conduct.
The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) was fined USD 200,000 for the inappropriate behaviour of stadium ball boys during the final.
CAF also imposed a USD 100,000 fine on the Moroccan federation for the conduct of its players and technical staff, who invaded the video assistant referee (VAR) review area and obstructed the referee’s work.
An additional USD 15,000 fine was issued against the FRMF for the use of lasers by Moroccan supporters during the match.
