AFCON 2025 final chaos: CAF bans Hakimi, Thiaw, slams Senegal, Morocco with heavy fines

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed down sweeping sanctions to Senegal and Morocco, including match bans, hefty fines and suspensions of key players and officials, following the dramatic fallout from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat.

In a statement released on Wednesday night, CAF said its Disciplinary Board found both football federations, as well as players and officials, guilty of multiple violations of the CAF Disciplinary Code, citing breaches of fair play, loyalty and integrity during and after the final.

Senegal hit with toughest penalties

Senegal bore the brunt of the sanctions.

CAF suspended Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw for five official CAF matches for “unsporting conduct” and for “bringing the game into disrepute,” in addition to slapping him with a $100,000 fine.

Two Senegalese players were also punished for their conduct towards match officials. Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each suspended for two official CAF matches for unsporting behaviour towards the referee.

At federation level, the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) was fined a total of $615,000, broken down as follows:

$300,000 for the improper conduct of Senegalese supporters,

$300,000 for the unsporting behaviour of players and technical staff, which CAF said brought the game into disrepute,

$15,000 for team misconduct after five Senegal players were cautioned during the match.

Morocco players, federation also sanctioned

CAF also imposed disciplinary measures on Morocco.

Defender Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two official CAF matches, although one of the suspensions was conditionally suspended for one year, for unsporting behaviour.

Midfielder Ismaël Saibari received a three-match suspension and a $100,000 fine for unsporting conduct.

The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) was fined $200,000 for the inappropriate behaviour of stadium ball boys during the final. CAF also imposed a $100,000 fine on the Moroccan federation after players and technical staff invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee.

An additional $15,000 fine was issued for the use of laser pointers by Moroccan supporters during the match.

Final descended into disorder

The AFCON final, played on January 18, 2026, at the Stade Mohammed V in Rabat, spiralled into chaos late in regulation time.

With the score locked at 0–0, Senegal had a goal ruled out for offside. Moments later, following a VAR review, Morocco were awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time.

Furious at the decision, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw led his players off the pitch in protest, triggering scenes of confusion and forcing security officials to intervene. After a lengthy delay, Senegal returned to the field. Morocco’s penalty was saved by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, pushing the match into extra time.

Senegal eventually clinched the title when Pape Gueye scored the winning goal in the fourth minute of the first half of extra time.

At the time, both CAF and FIFA president Gianni Infantino publicly condemned the conduct witnessed during the final.

Morocco protest dismissed

CAF also ruled on a formal protest filed by the Moroccan federation, which accused Senegal of breaching Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations.

“The CAF Disciplinary Board rejected the protest lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football regarding alleged violations by the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations,” CAF said.

The decision brings an official close to one of the most controversial finals in AFCON history, even as debate over officiating and discipline continues to ripple across African football.