The Confederation of African Football has issued a sweeping set of disciplinary sanctions following the chaotic scenes that marred the TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 final between Senegal and hosts Morocco. CAF’s Disciplinary Committee confirmed punishments for both federations, several players, team officials and supporters, citing unsporting conduct, breaches of fair play and actions that brought the game into disrepute.
Senegal were the hardest hit. Head coach Pape Thiaw was suspended for five official CAF matches and fined $100,000 for unsporting conduct and damaging the image of the game, following his decision to lead players off the pitch during the final.
On the field, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr each received two match suspensions for unsporting behaviour towards the referee. CAF also fined the Senegalese Football Federation $300,000 for the conduct of its supporters, after crowd unrest during and after the penalty incident. A further $300,000 fine was imposed for the behaviour of players and technical staff, deemed to be in violation of CAF’s principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity. Senegal were additionally fined $15,000 after five of their players were cautioned during the match.
Morocco also faced significant penalties. Captain Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two official CAF matches, with one of those suspended for a year, for unsporting behaviour. Midfielder Ismaël Saibari received a three match suspension and a $100,000 fine.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation was fined $200,000 for the inappropriate conduct of stadium ball boys, an issue that drew widespread criticism during the final. CAF also imposed a $100,000 fine after Moroccan players and technical staff invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee. Supporter misconduct resulted in a further $15,000 fine for the use of lasers inside the stadium.
CAF also dismissed a protest lodged by the Moroccan federation, which had alleged violations of AFCON regulations by Senegal. The committee ruled that the protest did not meet the threshold required under Articles 82 and 84 of the competition regulations.
The verdict closes a turbulent chapter on a final remembered as much for controversy and disorder as for Senegal’s extra time triumph, with CAF making clear its intention to uphold discipline and protect the integrity of African football’s biggest stage.
