CAF Slaps Heavy Fines on Senegal, Pape Thiaw and Morocco Over AFCON 2025 Final Chaos

The Confederation of African Football has handed down severe punishments to Senegal, their head coach Pape Thiaw, and several players, while Morocco and captain Achraf Hakimi have also been sanctioned following the chaotic scenes that marred the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

CAF confirmed that disciplinary action has been taken against the Senegalese Football Federation, Thiaw, and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation after investigations into the disorder witnessed during the highly charged final. The incident centred on a dramatic stoppage in play after Senegal’s players briefly walked off the pitch in protest over officiating decisions.

The final had unfolded without major controversy until the closing moments of regulation time. In the ninetieth minute, Senegal thought they had taken the lead, only for the goal to be ruled out for a foul in the build-up. Tensions escalated further a few minutes later when Morocco were awarded a penalty, a decision that Senegal strongly contested.

In response, Thiaw instructed his players to leave the pitch, resulting in a delay of about seventeen minutes as emotions flared and the atmosphere inside the stadium grew increasingly hostile. Senegal captain Sadio Mané eventually intervened, urging his teammates to return and see out the match. Play resumed, and Morocco’s Brahim Díaz missed the disputed penalty, pushing the final into extra time. Senegal would go on to secure the title after a powerful long-range strike from Pape Gueye.

What Punishment Has Senegal Received?

CAF, working alongside FIFA, condemned the actions that disrupted the match and launched a formal investigation shortly after the final. The outcome of that probe has now been made public, with Senegal receiving the heaviest share of the sanctions.

Thiaw has been banned from five official CAF matches and fined one hundred thousand dollars for unsporting conduct, having been found responsible for encouraging his team to abandon the field. The suspension applies only to CAF competitions, meaning he remains eligible to take charge of Senegal in non-continental tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup.

Two Senegal players, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr, have also been punished, each receiving two-match bans for their conduct towards match officials. In addition, the Senegalese Football Federation has been hit with cumulative fines totalling six hundred and fifteen thousand dollars for multiple breaches of CAF regulations.

The federation was fined three hundred thousand dollars for the improper behaviour of its supporters and a further three hundred thousand dollars for the actions of its players and technical staff. An additional fine was imposed due to repeated cautions received by Senegal players during the match, bringing the total penalty to six hundred and fifteen thousand dollars.

Morocco Not Spared From the Sanctions

Morocco have also faced disciplinary measures following the final. Defender Achraf Hakimi has been handed a two-match ban from CAF competitions, with one of those matches suspended for a year, after being found guilty of unsporting behaviour. His teammate Ismael Saibari has received a three-match suspension and a fine of one hundred thousand dollars for similar offences.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has been fined a total of three hundred and fifteen thousand dollars. This includes penalties for the inappropriate conduct of ball boys during the final, the behaviour of players and technical staff who entered the VAR review area and interfered with the referee, and the use of laser pointers by supporters in the stands.

CAF also confirmed that Morocco’s appeal relating to Senegal’s conduct during the match was reviewed and ultimately dismissed, bringing an official close to one of the most controversial AFCON finals in recent history.