The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board has imposed heavy sanctions on the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), as well as several players and officials, following unsporting incidents during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 final.
In decisions announced on Wednesday, 28th January, 2026, the Board cited multiple violations of the CAF Disciplinary Code, including breaches of fair play, integrity, and conduct deemed to have brought the game into disrepute.
Both federations were handed substantial financial penalties, while key players and officials received match suspensions.
According to CAF, Senegal’s head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw was suspended for five official CAF matches and fined USD 100,000 for unsporting conduct.
Senegalese Players Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each banned for two matches for unsporting behavior toward the referee.
In addition, the FSF was fined USD 300,000 for supporters’ improper conduct, a further USD 300,000 for unsporting actions by players and team officials, and USD 15,000 for five players who received cautions during the match.
“CAF is committed to protecting the integrity of the game. Misconduct by players, staff, or supporters will be met with strict and decisive action,” the CAF statement read.
On the Moroccan side, captain Achraf Hakimi was handed a two-match suspension, with one match suspended for one year from the date of the decision, for unsporting conduct.
Midfielder Ismael Saibari received a three-match ban and a USD 100,000 fine for unsporting conduct.
The FRMF was also fined USD 200,000 for inappropriate conduct by ball boys, USD 100,000 for players and officials invading the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) area, and USD 15,000 for supporters’ use of laser pointers.
“These fines reflect violations by the FRMF, covering inappropriate behavior by ball boys, encroachment into the VAR area by team members, and supporters’ use of laser pointers,” the CAF Disciplinary Board stated.
In a related ruling, the CAF Disciplinary Board dismissed a protest filed by the FRMF, which alleged that Senegal violated Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations. The Board found the complaint to be without merit.
CAF said the sanctions were intended to uphold the principles of fair play, integrity, and respect for match officials, stressing that misconduct at major tournaments would not be tolerated.
The penalties will take effect in upcoming official CAF competitions, potentially affecting both Senegal’s and Morocco’s preparations for future continental and international matches.
By enforcing these penalties, CAF aims to protect the reputation of African football and ensure that fair play remains central to the continent’s premier competitions.
