The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed down heavy sanctions on the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) and the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) following incidents that overshadowed the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final.

In a statement issued after disciplinary proceedings, CAF said its Disciplinary Board found that the conduct of players, officials and supporters from both teams violated the CAF Disciplinary Code and brought the game into disrepute.

Senegal was among the hardest hit, with head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw suspended for five official CAF matches for unsporting conduct and fined $100,000. Senegalese players Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each handed two-match suspensions after being found guilty of unsporting behaviour towards the referee.

The Senegalese football federation was also fined $300,000 for the improper conduct of its supporters and a further $300,000 for the unsporting conduct of players and technical staff, while an additional $15,000 fine was imposed after five players received cautions during the match.

Morocco was not spared by the disciplinary action.

Defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension, with one match suspended for one year, while midfielder Ismaël Saibari was banned for three matches and fined $100,000.

CAF further fined the Moroccan football federation $200,000 for the inappropriate behaviour of stadium ball boys and $100,000 after players and technical staff invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee’s work. An additional $15,000 fine was imposed for the use of lasers by Moroccan supporters.

CAF also rejected a protest lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football against Senegal over alleged breaches of Africa Cup of Nations regulations, ruling that the complaint lacked merit.

The sanctions conclude CAF’s investigation into the disorderly scenes that marred the final, as the football governing body reaffirmed its stance on fair play, integrity and respect in African football.

By Adama Makasuba