January 29, (THEWILL) — The Confederation of African Football has handed down substantial penalties to both Senegal and Morocco following serious disciplinary breaches during the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Final. The CAF Disciplinary Board found violations of fair play and integrity principles, resulting in fines totalling over $1 million and multiple match suspensions for players and coaching staff.
Senegal bore the heaviest financial burden, with the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football receiving three separate fines amounting to $615,000 for supporter misconduct, player and staff behaviour, and accumulated yellow cards. Head coach, Pape Bouna Thiaw, received a five-match ban and a $100,000 fine for unsporting conduct that brought the game into disrepute. Players Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr each face two-match suspensions for their behaviour towards match officials.
Morocco’s federation, the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football, incurred fines of $315,000 across three charges. These penalties addressed inappropriate ball boy conduct, players and technical staff invading the VAR area and obstructing the referee, and supporters using laser pointers. Moroccan player, Ismaël Saibari, received a three-match ban and a $100,000 fine, whilst Achraf Hakimi faces a two-match suspension, with one match suspended for 12 months.
The disciplinary proceedings also considered a formal protest filed by Morocco alleging Senegalese violations of tournament regulations. The CAF Disciplinary Board examined claims concerning Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations but ultimately rejected Morocco’s complaint in its entirety.
All sanctions stem from incidents that occurred during the tournament final held in Morocco, where breaches of the CAF Disciplinary Code were deemed sufficiently grave to warrant intervention. The penalties will take effect immediately for forthcoming official CAF competition matches involving the sanctioned individuals and teams.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
