Wayne Lumbasi
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a raft of disciplinary sanctions on Senegal and Morocco following serious breaches of conduct that overshadowed the Africa Cup of Nations final, as the continental body moved to reassert discipline and protect match officials in one of its flagship competitions.
Senegal received the stiffest punishment after CAF concluded that players, technical staff, and supporters were involved in multiple acts of unsporting behaviour during the high-tension final. Head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw was suspended for five CAF matches and fined $100,000 for conduct deemed to have brought the game into disrepute.
Two Senegal players, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, were each handed two-match suspensions after CAF ruled that they engaged in improper conduct toward the referee. The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) was also fined a combined $615,000, including $300,000 for the misconduct of supporters, another $300,000 for unsporting behaviour by players and technical staff, and $15,000 after five Senegal players were booked during the match.
Morocco were also sanctioned following incidents involving players, officials, and match-day operations. Defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension, although one match was suspended for a probationary period of one year. Midfielder Ismael Saibari was banned for three matches and fined $100,000 for misconduct.
CAF fined the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) $200,000 over inappropriate behaviour by ball boys, which the disciplinary panel said disrupted the normal flow of the game. An additional $100,000 fine was imposed after Moroccan players and technical staff were found to have invaded the VAR area and obstructed the referee. Supporter misconduct also attracted a $15,000 fine following the use of laser devices inside the stadium.
In a separate ruling, CAF dismissed Morocco’s protest against Senegal, which alleged violations of AFCON regulations during the final. The governing body ruled that the complaint lacked sufficient grounds, confirming that the result of the match would stand.
The final was played amid intense pressure and controversy, with disputed officiating decisions contributing to confrontations on the pitch and in the technical areas. CAF said the sanctions were issued under its Disciplinary Code and serve as a clear warning that misconduct at major African football events will not be tolerated.
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