AFCON 2025: CAF Sanctions Morocco and Senegal After Final Incidents
- CAF has announced sanctions for Morocco and Senegal after the disruption of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final
- Teranga Lions players staged a walkout on the order of head coach Pape Thiaw to protest a late penalty by the referee
- Thiaw received the heaviest sporting sanctions for the incident, while Senegal was handed hefty financial sanctions
- A Nigerian football fan based in Morocco described the verdict as lenient for Senegal and unfair the hosts
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced sanctions on Morocco and Senegal over the scenes during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final on January 18.
The Teranga Lions lifted their second AFCON trophy after defeating the host nation 1-0 in 120 minutes, but the match was marred by scenes that soured the grand finale.
Source: Getty Images
Teranga Lions coach Pape Thiaw told his players to leave the pitch to protest referee Jean-Jacques Ndala’s decision to award a penalty to Morocco in the final minutes.
The penalty came minutes after Ndala had disallowed Ismaila Sarr's goal, prompting Thiaw to act against the supposed injustice and order his players to leave the pitch.
Teranga Lions veteran Sadio Mane restored sanity to the match by recalling his teammates after addressing Mamadou Niang, Claude Le Roy, and El Hadji Diouf.
Brahim Diaz missed his penalty, attempting a ridiculous Panenka, which Édouard Mendy saved, with Pape Gueye scoring in extra time to give Senegal the victory.
CAF sanctions Senegal and Morocco
CAF, via its website, has announced the sanctions on both countries and individuals involved in the incidents at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on January 18.
Sanctions against Senegal
CAF suspended Pape Thiaw for five matches and fined him $100,000 for his unsporting behaviour, which breached the principles of fair play and integrity.
The organisation also suspended Senegalese stars Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr for two matches each for their unsporting behaviour towards the referee.
CAF also fined the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) $615,000 for three separate offences involving its technical crew, players, and fans in the final.
This was broken down as follows:
- $300,000 fine for the improper conduct of supporters
- $300,000 for the unsporting behaviour of players and technical crew
- $15,000 after five of its players received yellow cards.
Sanctions against Morocco
CAF suspended Achraf Hakimi for two matches, one of which was suspended for one year from the date of the decision, for his unsporting behaviour.
Ismael Saibari received a three-match suspension and a $100,000 fine for his unsporting behaviour, which was his involvement in the towel issue.
CAF also fined the Moroccan Federation $200,000 for the inappropriate behaviour of the ball boys, particularly those who had targeted Yehvann Diouf.
Source: Getty Images
The FMRF also received a $100,000 for its players' behaviour by invading the VAR review area and interfering with the match officials' work, and $15,000 for the use of lasers by its supporters, totalling $315,000 in fines.
CAF has also rejected Morocco’s petition, which, according to Bein Sport, sought to strip Senegal of the AFCON title based on articles 82 and 84 of tournament regulations.
A Nigerian football fan based in Morocco, Olayemi Busari, claimed that Senegal should be happy that they got a lenient sanction, while Morocco can feel a bit unfairly treated.
“That's all the sanction for Senegal? They are very lucky with the leniency from CAF, particularly for Pape Thiaw and I do not expect them to appeal,” he told Legit.ng.
“Moroccans certainly feel somehow about their sanctions, and even on the streets, there's unhappiness about CAF’s verdict, and the silence from the FRMF communicates deep discontentment.”
FIFA sends message to CAF
Legit.ng reported that FIFA had sent a message to CAF ahead of the expected verdict on the incidents that marred the AFCON 2025 final.
The world football governing body informed the African body that the sanctions on both nations would fall into the continent's jurisdiction.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
