The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a raft of disciplinary sanctions against the Senegalese and Moroccan football federations following the incidents that overshadowed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat, while confirming a five-match suspension for Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw, MySportDab Reports.
The dramatic final was halted for more than 15 minutes after Senegal players protested a late refereeing decision by Congolese official Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo.
Tensions flared when Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review, prompting Senegal’s players and technical staff to threaten to walk off the pitch.
Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy denied Brahim Diaz with a save from a panenka-style penalty, sending the match into extra time. Senegal ultimately claimed the title just three minutes into the additional period when Pape Gueye struck a superb left-footed effort from outside the box to seal a historic second AFCON crown.
CAF’s Disciplinary Board ruled that Thiaw breached principles of fair play and integrity after he was seen instructing his players to return to the dressing room. As a result, the Senegal coach was suspended for five official CAF matches and fined USD 100,000.
The ban will be served during AFCON qualifying matches, but Thiaw will still be eligible to lead the Lions of Teranga at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Senegal players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were also sanctioned, each receiving a two-match suspension for unsporting behaviour towards the referee.
In addition, the Senegalese Football Federation was hit with heavy financial penalties, including USD 300,000 for supporter misconduct and another USD 300,000 for the behaviour of players and technical staff.
CAF further imposed a USD 15,000 fine after five Senegal players were cautioned during the final.
Morocco were likewise punished for their role in the chaos. Defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension, with one match suspended for a year, while Ismael Saibari was banned for three matches and fined USD 100,000.
The Moroccan federation was fined USD 200,000 for the misconduct of ball boys and USD 100,000 for players and staff interfering with the VAR review process.
CAF also rejected Morocco’s formal protest, officially confirming Senegal as the 2025 AFCON champions.
