CAF Imposes Match Bans, Heavy Fines on Senegal and Morocco After AFCON 2025 Final
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed down a series of disciplinary sanctions against Senegal and Morocco following unsporting incidents connected to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
In a statement released after a meeting of its Disciplinary Board, CAF confirmed that Senegalese internationals Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr have each been suspended for two CAF matches for unsporting behaviour directed at the referee. The governing body said their actions violated the principles of fair play and integrity outlined in its disciplinary code.
Beyond individual sanctions, CAF also imposed substantial financial penalties on the Senegal Football Federation. The federation was fined USD 300,000 for the improper conduct of supporters, which CAF said brought the game into disrepute. A further USD 300,000 fine was issued for the unsporting behaviour of Senegal’s players and technical staff. In addition, Senegal were fined USD 15,000 after five of their players received yellow cards during the match, breaching CAF regulations.
Morocco were also sanctioned over several incidents from the final. Defender Achraf Hakimi was handed a two-match suspension, with one of the matches suspended for a period of one year, after CAF found him guilty of unsporting conduct. Midfielder Ismael Saibari received a heavier punishment, with a three-match ban and a USD 100,000 fine.
The Federation Royale Marocaine de Football was further fined USD 200,000 over the inappropriate behaviour of stadium ball boys during the match. CAF also imposed an additional USD 100,000 fine on the Moroccan federation after players and technical staff were found to have invaded the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review area and obstructed the referee in the performance of his duties.
CAF said these actions undermined the image of the competition and violated its disciplinary code, which emphasises loyalty, integrity and respect for match officials.
In a related decision, the CAF Disciplinary Board rejected a formal protest filed by the Moroccan federation against the Senegal Football Federation, which alleged breaches of AFCON regulations during the final. By dismissing the petition, CAF officially reaffirmed Senegal as champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The football body reiterated its commitment to enforcing discipline and protecting the integrity of its competitions, warning that misconduct by players, officials or supporters would continue to attract firm sanctions.
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