The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed down severe disciplinary measures to both Senegal and host nation Morocco in the wake of the chaotic incidents that disrupted the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final.
CAF’s Disciplinary Board confirmed Senegal as the official champions of the 2025 edition after dismissing Morocco’s appeal to have the title revoked due to the Senegalese team’s brief walk-off during the match. The governing body ruled that the protest did not justify overturning the result.
The dramatic final, played in Rabat, reached boiling point in the dying moments of normal time when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala pointed to the penalty spot for Morocco following a lengthy VAR review of a box incident involving Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz.
Incensed by the decision, Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw instructed his players to leave the pitch in protest. Captain Sadio Mané eventually persuaded his teammates to return, and the match continued with Díaz missing the penalty. Senegal later secured a 1-0 victory in extra time to lift the trophy.
Senegal has been hit with a total fine of $615,000. This amount includes $300,000 for misconduct by supporters, another $300,000 for inappropriate behaviour by players and officials, and an additional $15,000 stemming from the five yellow cards accumulated by the team during the final.
Head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw was personally sanctioned with a five-match suspension from all official CAF competitions and a $100,000 fine for conduct that CAF deemed to have brought the game into disrepute. Players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr each received two-match suspensions from official CAF fixtures for unsporting behaviour directed at the referee.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was also penalised, receiving fines totalling $315,000. The breakdown covers $200,000 for misconduct by stadium ball boys, $100,000 for inappropriate actions by players and officials—including entering the VAR area—and $15,000 for supporters’ use of laser pointers during the match.
On the individual level, Moroccan midfielder Ismail Saibari was fined $100,000 and banned for three CAF matches, while captain Achraf Hakimi was handed a two-match suspension for unsporting conduct.
CAF stressed that the sanctions were applied in accordance with its Disciplinary Code and were intended to address repeated breaches of fair play, integrity, and the standards expected in continental competition. The continental body reiterated its strong condemnation of the unacceptable behaviour displayed by players, officials, and fans from both nations.