WeeklySA_AdminCONDUCT: Senegal coach Pape Thiaw banned for five matches as CAF fines both federations over player misconduct, crowd behaviour and VAR confrontations in a stormy AFCON final…
By Own Correspondent
The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has imposed sweeping disciplinary sanctions on both Senegal and Morocco following chaotic scenes during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final, citing multiple breaches of its Disciplinary Code.
In a statement issued after deliberations by its Disciplinary Board, CAF confirmed suspensions, fines and reprimands against the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), as well as several players and officials from both national teams.
The most severe individual sanction was handed to Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw, who was suspended for five official CAF matches for unsporting conduct that CAF said violated principles of fair play and integrity and brought the game into disrepute. Thiaw was also fined USD 100,000.
Two Senegalese players were also punished for their conduct toward match officials. Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each suspended for two official CAF matches for unsporting behaviour directed at the referee.
CAF further fined the FSF a total of USD 615,000. This included USD 300,000 for the improper conduct of Senegalese supporters, USD 300,000 for the unsporting conduct of players and technical staff, and an additional USD 15,000 after five Senegal players received cautions during the final.
Moroccan Players Suspended, Federation Fined
On the Moroccan side, CAF suspended defender Achraf Hakimi for two CAF matches, with one match suspended for a year, following unsporting behaviour.
Midfielder Ismaël Saibari received a three-match suspension and a USD 100,000 fine for his conduct during the match.
The FRMF was fined USD 200,000 for the inappropriate behaviour of ball boys, USD 100,000 after Moroccan players and technical staff invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee, and a further USD 15,000 for the use of laser devices by supporters inside the stadium.
CAF cited violations of Articles 82 and 83 of its Disciplinary Code, which govern respect for match officials, integrity of competition and conduct around VAR operations.
Morocco’s Protest Dismissed
CAF also dismissed a protest lodged by Morocco alleging that Senegal violated Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations during the final. The Disciplinary Board ruled that the protest lacked sufficient grounds and upheld the original result of the match.
The sanctions bring an official close to one of the most contentious finals in recent AFCON history, with CAF reiterating its commitment to protecting referees, preserving fair play, and safeguarding the integrity of African football’s flagship tournament.
