Following a thorough inquiry into the tumultuous events that overshadowed the AFCON 2025 final, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has levied significant penalties against both finalist nations, Senegal and Morocco. The championship decider, held in Morocco, was irrevocably disrupted by a contentious refereeing decision in the dying moments of the game.
The pivotal incident occurred when the match official pointed to the penalty spot in stoppage time, awarding a spot-kick to the host nation. This call provoked immediate and vehement dissent from the Senegalese delegation, culminating in head coach Pape Thiaw directing his squad to abandon the field of play.
Sanctions Announced by CAF Disciplinary Board
In response to these actions, the CAF Disciplinary Board has handed down a series of punishments. The most severe individual sanction targets Pape Thiaw, who has been banned from all CAF-organized competitions for five matches and fined the substantial sum of $100,000 for conduct deemed unsporting.
The disciplinary measures extend beyond the head coach. Several players representing Senegal, alongside the nation’s football federation itself, have also been penalized for their roles in the post-decision chaos. From the Moroccan contingent, captain Achraf Hakimi and midfielder Ismaël Sai have not been spared from the board’s scrutiny, receiving sanctions for their conduct during the volatile finale.
bari were suspended and fined for unsporting behavior. The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was also fined for the “inappropriate conduct” of stadium ball boys.
Meanwhile, CAF has dismissed Morocco’s complaint contesting the match result, clarifying that while disciplinary proceedings were necessary, they do not affect Senegal’s victory.