CAF Sanctions Senegal and Morocco After Chaotic AFCON 2025 Final
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed down major disciplinary sanctions following disorderly scenes during and after the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final between Senegal and host nation Morocco, while confirming that the match result will stand.
In a statement released on Wednesday, CAF said its Disciplinary Board found multiple breaches of its regulations, including unsporting conduct, misconduct toward match officials and actions that brought the game into disrepute.
Suspensions and Fines
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has been suspended for two CAF matches, with one match suspended on probation for a period of one year. The punishment relates to his conduct toward match officials during the heated closing stages of the final.
Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw was handed a five-match suspension from CAF competitions and fined $100,000 after leading protests against officiating decisions during the match.
Both national federations were also fined heavily.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) received fines totaling $615,000 for team misconduct, technical-area violations and crowd disturbances.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was fined $315,000 for supporter misconduct, interference around the VAR area and organisational failures.
CAF confirmed that the sanctions apply only to competitions under its jurisdiction.
Final Result Upheld
Despite the incidents, CAF rejected Morocco’s protest seeking to overturn the result, officially upholding Senegal’s 1–0 extra-time victory and their AFCON 2025 title.
The final, played in Rabat, was overshadowed by controversy following disputed refereeing decisions that triggered confrontations involving players, coaching staff and supporters, forcing security officials to intervene.
CAF Statement
CAF said the disciplinary measures were intended to “protect the integrity of the competition and reinforce respect for match officials, fair play and the image of African football.”
The sanctions mark one of the most significant disciplinary actions in recent AFCON history and are expected to fuel continued debate among fans and football authorities across the continent.
