Finalists of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco and Senegal have both been handed heavy fines and sanctions following the altercation that happened in the ending minutes of the final.
Senegal and Morocco were accused of violating the CAF Disciplinary Code, principles of fair play and integrity during the game.
The final, played at the Stade Mohammed V in Rabat on January 18, 2026, descended into disarray in the dying moments of regular time.
After a goalless play for most of the game, Senegal had a late goal disallowed for a controversial foul in the buildup before a VAR review awarded a late penalty to Morocco in the eighth minute of added time.
The Senegalese team and coaching crew got furious and caused some chaotic scenes as they even walked out into the dressing room, before Sadio Mane helped in bringing them back out to complete the encounter.
Senegal would later emerge champions after the Moroccan penalty was missed and an extra-time goal sealed the championship for the Teranga Lions.
In a statement by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Wednesday night, the continental body condemned the display and handed bans and fines to all the parties involved.
For his role in the incident, Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw was suspended for five official CAF matches and fined $100,000.
Two Senegal players, Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each suspended for two CAF matches for their unsporting behaviour towards the referee.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) was slammed with a fine of $615,000.
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two CAF matches, with one of those bans suspended for a year.
Hakimi’s teammate, Ismaël Saibari received a three-match suspension and a $100,000 fine for unsporting behaviour.
“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, relating to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, Morocco was fined 200,000 dollars for the inappropriate behaviour of stadium ball boys during the final.
CAF also imposed a fine of 100,000 dollars on the Moroccan federation for the improper conduct of its players and technical staff, who invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee’s work.
An additional fine of 15,000 dollars was issued for the use of lasers by Moroccan supporters during the match.
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