CAF Suspends Hakimi, Thiaw; Fines Senegal, Morocco ahead of AFCON 2025 Final
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has implemented significant sanctions following the incidents that occurred during the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) final. The disciplinary actions target the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), and several associated players and officials.
CAF Sanctions Summary
On Wednesday night, CAF announced penalties for breaches of its Disciplinary Code. These breaches involved the principles of fair play, loyalty, and integrity, culminating in serious unsporting conduct during and after the final match.
Sanctions Against Senegal
- Pape Bouna Thiaw, head coach of Senegal’s national team, received a five-match suspension for unsporting behavior and was fined USD 100,000.
- Player Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye is suspended for two matches due to unsporting behavior towards the referee.
- Player Ismaila Sarr is also suspended for two matches for similar conduct.
- The FSF was fined a total of USD 615,000 for various violations:
- USD 300,000 for improper conduct by supporters.
- USD 300,000 for the unsporting behavior of players and staff.
- USD 15,000 for misconduct due to multiple player cautions.
Sanctions Against Morocco
- Achraf Hakimi, a defender for the national team, was suspended for two matches, one of which is deferred for one year for unsporting behavior.
- Midfielder Ismaël Saibari is suspended for three matches and fined USD 100,000.
- The FRMF faces several fines totaling USD 315,000 for various infractions:
- USD 200,000 for inappropriate behavior from stadium ball boys.
- USD 100,000 for interference during the VAR review process.
- USD 15,000 for supporters using lasers during the match.
Match Overview
The AFCON final took place at Stade Mohammed V in Rabat on January 18, 2026. The match was contentious, especially in the final moments. Senegal had a goal disallowed for offside, after which a VAR review awarded Morocco a penalty in the eighth minute of added time. Senegal’s coach, Pape Thiaw, protested vehemently, leading his team off the pitch. After negotiations, the team returned to find Morocco’s penalty saved by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, sending the game into extra time.
Ultimately, Pape Gueye scored the winning goal for Senegal, securing the AFCON title. The behavior exhibited during the match led to public condemnation from both CAF and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Protests and Appeals
CAF also addressed a protest from the FRMF concerning alleged violations by the FSF. The CAF Disciplinary Board ultimately dismissed the protest over Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations, affirming the credibility of the match proceedings.
These events underline the crucial need for adherence to sportsmanship and respect in competitive environments, highlighting the ongoing efforts by CAF to maintain integrity in African football.
