Over $1m in fines and bans, CAF sanctions Senegal and Morocco after AFCON final chaos

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published January 29, 2026

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Senegalese and Moroccan football federations, as well as multiple players and officials, following incidents during the AFCON "Morocco 2025" final played in Rabat on January 18, 2026.

According to CAF’s official statement, Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw was suspended for five CAF matches and fined $100,000. Senegal players Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each banned for two CAF matches for unsporting conduct toward the referee.

CAF also issued federation-level fines totaling $615,000 against Senegal, including $300,000 for supporter misconduct, $300,000 for the team’s players and technical staff, and $15,000 linked to disciplinary cautions.

On the Moroccan side, Achraf Hakimi received a two-match CAF ban with one match suspended for a year, while Ismaël Saibari was suspended for three matches and fined $100,000. Morocco’s federation was fined $315,000 in total, including penalties related to ball-boy behavior, misconduct in the VAR review area, and the use of lasers by supporters.

CAF said it rejected Morocco’s protest seeking action over alleged Senegal violations, leaving the match outcome unchanged.

The final was marked by late-game controversy and stoppages before Senegal went on to win in extra time, according to match reports