CAF investigation continues into AFCON 2025 final incidents; reports suggest no FIFA-level sanctions affecting 2026 World Cup

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published January 28, 2026

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) said it is reviewing all footage related to the incidents that marred the AFCON Morocco 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat, adding the matter will be referred to the competent bodies for appropriate action, with no final disciplinary decision issued yet.

The final saw Senegal briefly leaves the pitch late in the game after Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review, before returning to complete the match, which Senegal won 1-0 after extra time.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned what he called “unacceptable scenes,” stressing that walk-offs and violence have no place in football, while Reuters reported a CAF disciplinary decision is expected in the coming days.

French daily L’Equipe reported that any sanctions, if imposed, are expected to remain continental under CAF, noting CAF could theoretically ask FIFA to extend them globally, but FIFA legal assessments cited by the paper suggest such an extension would not happen, meaning Senegal’s 2026 World Cup participation does not appear at risk on that basis