The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a sweeping set of disciplinary sanctions on Senegal, Morocco and several individuals following the chaotic scenes that marred the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, footynaija.com reports.
The governing body confirmed that its Disciplinary Board acted over breaches of its code relating to fair play, loyalty and integrity during and after the match, which was played at the Stade Mohammed V on January 18.
Senegal’s head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw received the heaviest personal punishment, being suspended for five CAF matches and fined $100,000 for conduct deemed damaging to the image of the game.
Two Senegal players, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, were each banned for two matches for their behaviour towards the referee. The Senegalese federation was also hit with a series of fines totalling $615,000, covering crowd trouble, misconduct by players and staff, and the team’s accumulation of bookings.
❌ 🇲🇦 The moment Morocco’s Brahim Díaz misses the crucial AFCON 2025 final penalty with a panenka against Senegal’s Mendy and breaks down in tears!
🤦♂️ Is THIS the WORST penalty in football HISTORY? #AFCON2025||#AFCONpic.twitter.com/gzPliXqYgB
— FIFA World Cup Stats (@alimo_philip) January 18, 2026
Morocco were not spared either.
Africa Footballer of the Year Achraf Hakimi was banned for two matches, although one of those has been suspended for a year, while midfielder Ismaël Saibari was handed a three-match ban and a $100,000 fine. The Moroccan federation was fined $200,000 over the behaviour of ball boys, a further $100,000 for the actions of players and staff around the VAR area, and $15,000 for the use of lasers by supporters.
The final descended into confusion late in normal time after Senegal had a goal ruled out and Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty following a VAR review.
Senegal briefly walked off in protest before returning, with Édouard Mendy saving the penalty. Senegal went on to win in extra time through a sensational Pape Gueye strike.
CAF also confirmed it has rejected a protest lodged by Morocco against Senegal over alleged regulatory breaches, bringing a formal close to a final that will be remembered as much for its controversy as for its football.
