Just over 10 days after one of the most chaotic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in history, the continent’s football governing body, CAF, has issued fines totalling more than $1 million and banned several players and officials from both finalists.
CAF said the Senegal Football Federation was fined $615,000 for “unsporting conduct of their players and technical staff in violation of the CAF disciplinary code principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity.” Senegal coach Pape Thiaw was banned for five of the six 2027 AFCON qualifying matches and fined $100,000 for “bringing the game into disrepute.” Senegal players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr will miss the first two qualifiers later this year for “unsporting behavior towards the referee.”
The final saw Senegal walk off in protest after Morocco were awarded a late penalty following a VAR review moments after Senegal had a goal disallowed. Fans attempted to storm the field, journalists clashed, and after a 15-minute delay Morocco missed the penalty. Senegal went on to win in extra time. Morocco head coach Walid Regragui said the match had given African football a shameful image.
The frustration of Senegal fans boiled over at the 2025 AFCON final (Image: Paul Ellis/AFP)
Morocco’s federation was fined $315,000 for unsporting and improper conduct by players, coaches and supporters. A $200,000 portion of that was for stadium ball boys attempting to seize a towel used by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy on a wet night in Rabat, apparently to distract him. A further $100,000 was imposed for “improper conduct” after players and technical staff invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the work of DR Congo referee Jean-Jacques Ndala. Moroccan supporters were fined $15,000 for using lasers to try to distract Senegalese players. Captain Achraf Hakimi was banned for two games, with one suspended, and Ismael Saibari was banned for three games, both for “unsporting behavior.”
Morocco’s appeal to have the result canceled and be declared the winner because of Senegal’s walk-off was dismissed by CAF.
Morocco will co-host the 2030 World Cup and is hosting the Women’s U17 World Cup annually for five straight years. Both teams will also play at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. Senegal are in Group I with France, Norway and the winners of the intercontinental play-offs (Bolivia, Suriname or Iraq) — though they may have to manage without their fans. Morocco are in Group C with Brazil, Scotland and Haiti.
Edited by: Matt Pearson