The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed sanctions following the chaotic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Senegal and Morocco.
Senegal’s head coach, Pape Thiaw, received a five-game suspension and a $100,000 fine for “unsporting conduct” after ordering his players to leave the pitch during the match. The Senegalese Football Federation was also fined $615,000 due to the actions of the team and its supporters at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Two Senegalese players, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, were suspended for two games each for unsporting behaviour toward the referee.
Morocco faced penalties as well. The Moroccan Football Association was fined $315,000 for offences including interference by ball boys, players and staff entering the VAR review area, obstructing the referee, and laser use by fans. Players Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari were suspended for one and two matches, respectively, for throwing Senegal goalkeeper Eduard Mendy’s towel into the crowd.
CAF rejected Morocco’s appeal to overturn the match result despite Senegal’s prolonged walk-off.
The incident began when the referee, after consulting VAR, awarded Morocco a late penalty following a foul on Brahim Diaz. In protest, Thiaw ordered his team off the pitch for nearly 20 minutes. Senegal ultimately returned, and the penalty was missed, with Pape Gueye scoring later to secure Senegal’s second AFCON title.
