AFCON Final Brawl: CAF Slams Severe Sanctions Against Senegal and Morocco

The Confederation of African Football has suspended the head of coach of the victorious Senegalese national team at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, PAPE BOUNA THIAW, for five matches. CAF also imposed a fine of One Hundred Thousand Dollars against THIAW for engaging in “unsporting conduct” and “bringing the game into disrepute” over the controversy that greeted the AFCON final between Senegal and the host, Morocco. CAF Disciplinary Board also approved wide-ranging sanctions against the Senegalese football federation and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, as well as several players and officials for breaches of the principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity, during and after the final match. The regional football governing body fined Senegal Football Federation Three Hundred Thousand Dollars for the improper conduct of its supporters, and also suspended two players – ILIMAN CHEIKH BAROY NDIAYE and ISMAILA SARR for two matches. On the other hand, CAF suspended Morocco’s national team defender, ACHRAF HAKIMI, for two matches, with one of the matches suspended for one year, while the team’s midfielder ISMAËL SAIBARI was suspended for three matches, plus a fine of One Hundred Thousand Dollars. The Moroccan Football Federation also bagged a total fine of Three Hundred and Fifteen Thousand Dollars for inappropriate behaviour of stadium ball boys, improper conduct of players and technical staff, and the use of lasers by Moroccan supporters during the final match.