CAF Issues Heavy Sanctions After AFCON 2025 Final Misconduct
The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has issued a sweeping set of disciplinary sanctions against the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), and several high-profile players and officials following chaotic scenes during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 Final.
In a detailed ruling released by CAF’s Disciplinary Board, the continental football body cited unsporting conduct, lack of integrity, and actions that brought the game into disrepute, confirming that both finalists breached multiple provisions of the CAF Disciplinary Code.
The decision marks one of the toughest disciplinary crackdowns in recent AFCON history and sends a strong warning ahead of future CAF competitions.
Senegal Hit With Major Suspensions and Heavy Fines
CAF came down hardest on Senegal, punishing both individuals and the national federation for what it described as repeated violations of fair play and integrity principles.
Pape Bouna Thiaw Suspended, Fined $100,000
The most significant individual punishment was handed to Pape Bouna Thiaw, the head coach of the Senegalese national team.
CAF suspended Thiaw for five (5) official CAF matches for unsporting conduct and for bringing the game into disrepute. In addition to the suspension, he was also fined USD 100,000, underlining CAF’s zero-tolerance stance toward misconduct by technical staff.
Senegal Players Banned for Referee Abuse
Two Senegalese internationals were also sanctioned for their conduct toward match officials:
- Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye – suspended for two (2) official CAF matches
- Ismaila Sarr – suspended for two (2) official CAF matches
CAF stated that both players were guilty of unsporting behaviour directed at the referee during the final.
FSF Fined Over $600,000 for Team and Fan Misconduct
Beyond individual punishments, CAF imposed massive financial penalties on the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF):
- USD 300,000 fine for improper conduct of Senegalese supporters, which brought the game into disrepute
- USD 300,000 fine for unsporting conduct by Senegal’s players and technical staff, violating CAF principles of fair play, loyalty, and integrity
- USD 15,000 fine after five Senegal players received cautions during the match, constituting team misconduct
In total, Senegal-related fines exceeded USD 615,000, excluding individual player and coach penalties.
Morocco Sanctioned Over Player Behaviour, Ball Boys, and Fans
CAF also took disciplinary action against Morocco, the host nation and finalists, citing several serious infractions involving players, officials, stadium personnel, and supporters.
Achraf Hakimi Suspended, Partially Suspended Ban
Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi received a two-match CAF suspension, although CAF suspended one of those matches for a probation period of one year from the date of the ruling.
The suspension was imposed due to Hakimi’s unsporting behaviour during the final.
Ismaël Saibari Handed Three-Match Ban, $100,000 Fine
Another Moroccan international, Ismaël Saibari, was hit with a harsher punishment:
- Three (3) official CAF match suspension
- USD 100,000 fine
CAF cited serious unsporting conduct as the basis for the penalty.
FRMF Fined for VAR Incident, Ball Boys, and Laser Use
The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) was also fined heavily for multiple organizational and crowd-related issues:
- USD 200,000 fine for inappropriate behaviour by stadium ball boys during the final
- USD 100,000 fine after Moroccan players and technical staff invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee, violating Articles 82 and 83 of the CAF Disciplinary Code
- USD 15,000 fine for the use of lasers by Moroccan supporters
CAF emphasized that interference with VAR operations and referee duties is a serious offence that undermines match integrity.
CAF Rejects Morocco’s Protest Against Senegal
In a separate ruling, CAF also addressed a formal protest lodged by Morocco against Senegal.
The FRMF had accused the FSF of violating Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations, relating to conduct during the final.
However, the CAF Disciplinary Board rejected the protest in its entirety, ruling that the claims did not meet the threshold required for sanctions under the competition’s regulations.
This decision effectively closed the disciplinary chapter of the AFCON 2025 final, leaving the original match outcome intact.
CAF Sends Strong Message on Discipline and Fair Play
CAF’s ruling sends a clear and unmistakable message ahead of future continental tournaments: misconduct by players, officials, fans, or match personnel will be met with severe consequences.
By sanctioning both finalists heavily, CAF reaffirmed its commitment to protecting referees, preserving match integrity, and enforcing discipline at Africa’s biggest football stage.
With suspensions affecting key players and coaches, both Senegal and Morocco may feel the impact of these decisions in upcoming CAF competitions.
🔥 What do you think about CAF’s tough stance after the AFCON 2025 final?
Was justice served, or were the punishments too harsh? Share your thoughts and join the debate.