The Confederation of African Football Disciplinary Board has imposed multiple sanctions on the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football, the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football, as well as players and officials from both countries, following incidents that marred the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat.
In a statement issued on Wednesday night, CAF said the sanctions stemmed from violations of its Disciplinary Code, including breaches of fair play, loyalty and integrity during and after the final match. Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw was suspended for five official CAF matches for “unsporting conduct” and “for bringing the game into disrepute,” and fined $100,000.
CAF also announced suspensions for Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr for “unsporting behaviour towards the referee,” alongside fines totalling $615,000 imposed on the Senegalese federation for supporters’ misconduct, unsporting conduct by players and officials, and multiple cautions.
Morocco were equally sanctioned, with defender Achraf Hakimi suspended for two CAF matches, one of which is suspended for a year, while midfielder Ismaël Saibari received a three-match ban and a $100,000 fine for unsporting behaviour. CAF fined the Moroccan federation $200,000 for the conduct of ball boys, $100,000 for players and officials invading the VAR area and obstructing the referee, and an additional $15,000 for the use of lasers by supporters.
The sanctions followed a dramatic final at the Stade Mohammed V on January 18, 2026, which descended into chaos after a disallowed Senegal goal and a late VAR-awarded penalty for Morocco, prompting Thiaw to lead his players off the pitch in protest. Senegal eventually returned, goalkeeper Édouard Mendy saved the penalty, and Pape Gueye scored in extra time to secure the title.
CAF also rejected a protest by the Moroccan federation, stating that “the CAF Disciplinary Board rejected the protest lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football regarding alleged violations by the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations.”