Senegal, Morocco Fined Following African Cup Final Chaos: NPR
The recent Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco has resulted in significant fines and suspensions due to chaotic events during the match. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) issued penalties totaling over $1 million following incidents that included a protest walk-off, fan disturbances, and altercations among journalists.
Details of the Incident
The match took place in Rabat, Morocco, on January 18, 2026. Controversy erupted when a penalty was awarded late in the game to Morocco, leading Senegalese players to walk off the field in protest, led by their coach, Pape Thiaw. The match resumed after a 15-minute delay, during which Morocco missed the penalty, and Senegal ultimately secured a victory with a score of 1-0 after extra time.
Fines and Suspensions
- Senegalese soccer federation fined: $615,000
- Moroccan soccer federation fined: $315,000
- Pape Thiaw banned for five African games and fined $100,000
- Sadio Mane and other Senegalese players banned for two games
- Mohammed’s Ismael Saibari banned for three games and fined $100,000
Morocco also faced a $200,000 fine for the conduct of their ball boys, who attempted to distract Senegal’s goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, during the game.
Impact on Future Events
Morocco is slated to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, with plans for the new Hassan II Stadium, which promises a capacity of 115,000. However, the recent events have cast a pall over Morocco’s image on the international stage.
Additionally, the African soccer body rejected Morocco’s appeal to overturn the match result, maintaining Senegal as the champion. This decision has led to tensions between the two nations. In the aftermath, both governments emphasized the need for diplomatic relations, and Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko remarked that reactions to the match should be seen as emotional rather than politically charged.
Societal Reactions
In Morocco, human rights organizations condemned what they characterized as hate speech directed toward sub-Saharan Africans following the match. This controversy underscores the broader implications of sports events on cultural and political dynamics within the region.
