CAF sanctions Morocco and fines players following chaos in the 2025 AFCON final against Senegal

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued sanctions against the Morocco Football Federation following the disruption of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

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The Teranga Lions of Senegal defeated the Atlas Lions of Morocco 1-0 in a match marred by controversy at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

The final saw Senegal coach Pape Thiaw order his players off the pitch in protest against a penalty awarded to Morocco for a foul on Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz.

The intervention of Sadio Mane helped restore order before Diaz missed the penalty and Papa Gueye scored the winning goal in extra time.

CAF suspended Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi for two matches, one suspended for a year, while Ismael Saibari received a three-match ban and a $100,000 fine.

The Moroccan Federation was fined $200,000 over the behaviour of ball boys and players, including interference with VAR operations and the use of lasers by supporters, totaling $115,000 in additional fines.

The Senegalese team also faced sanctions, with coach Pape Thiaw suspended for five matches and fined $100,000, while players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each suspended for two matches due to unsporting conduct towards the referee.

CAF Executive Committee member Samir Sobha publicly apologised to Morocco, admitting procedural errors during the final.

“The Atlas Lions were robbed. It’s clear. After the Senegalese team left the field, all the players should have received a yellow card,” Sobha said.

CAF also cleared referee Jean-Jacques Ndala of any wrongdoing following scrutiny over his performance in the match.

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The decision highlights CAF’s effort to uphold fair play while acknowledging errors that affected Morocco’s experience in the 2025 AFCON final.