AFCON 2025: FIFA Sends Message to CAF Ahead of Verdict on Senegal’s Case
- FIFA has reportedly sent a message to CAF ahead of the verdict on Senegal's AFCON 2025 final case
- CAF is investigating Senegal’s walkout of the pitch during the final match of AFCON 2025 in Morocco
- Senegal's coach Pape Thiaw is expected to receive heavy sanctions after ordering his players off the pitch
FIFA has reportedly sent a message to CAF as investigations continue into the interesting events that took place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
The AFCON 2025 final temporarily descended into chaos after referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty to Morocco in the final seconds of the 90 minutes.
Source: Getty Images
Ndala’s decision prompted a protest from Senegal's technical area, and head coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players to leave the pitch and return to the dressing room.
The match was paused for about 17 minutes before Sadio Mane intervened and urged his teammates to return to the pitch and complete the match regardless of what happens afterwards.
Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, and the match went into extra time, during which Pape Gueye scored the winner for Senegal to win their second AFCON trophy.
The aftermath of the chaotic final match tainted Senegal's victory, with multiple petitions filed and disciplinary actions expected to follow.
FIFA sends message to CAF
CAF published a statement condemning the “unacceptable behaviour” and immediately launched an investigation into the incidents.
The African football body’s Ethics and Disciplinary Committee met on Tuesday for a hearing into the incidents and was expected to give a verdict on the case.
Questioning into the matter continues, and CAF has scheduled a virtual interview with the parties involved before delivering a verdict in the coming days.
Senegalese journalist Mamadou Ndiaye has confirmed that FIFA has informed CAF that Senegal will face no international sanction, and whatever punishment is delivered remains in Africa's jurisdiction.
This comes amid reports that Senegal could be kicked out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup over the incident, particularly with Pape Thiaw expected to incur a lengthy touchlinne ban.
According to Foot Africa, the Senegalese Football Federation and head coach Pape Thiaw appeared before CAF’s disciplinary committee on Tuesdaym January 27, 2026. Ismaila Sarr and Ilman Ndiaye also faced questions.
Source: Getty Images
CAF reportedly quizzed Achraf Hakimi and Ismaila Saibari in the Moroccan camp, while the organisers could also face questions for failing to provide security.
There are several rumours of possible sanctions on social media, from the camps of the two countries, which heavily punish the other.
However, no official statement is expected from CAF until at least Thursday, January 29, 2026 as the confederation is taking its time on the case to ensure fairness and integrity.
Gianni Infantino sends message to Senegal
Legit.ng reported that FIFA President Gianni Infantino sent a message to Senegal after the disruption during the AFCON 2025 final.
Infantino, who was present at the final in Morocco, described the incident as “unfortunate scenes” and urged the relevant bodies to act decisively.
Source: Legit.ng
