The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed stringent disciplinary measures on both Senegal and host nation Morocco following the chaotic incidents that marred the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final held on January 18 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) has been fined a total of $615,000, comprising $300,000 for misconduct by supporters that tarnished the game’s reputation, $300,000 for unsporting behavior by players and technical staff that contravened principles of fair play, loyalty, and integrity, and $15,000 for team misconduct due to five players receiving yellow cards during the match.
Individual penalties for Senegal included a five-official CAF match suspension and a $100,000 fine for Head Coach Pape Bouna Thiaw for unsporting conduct, breaches of fair play and integrity rules, and bringing the game into disrepute stemming from his role in the team’s brief walk-off protesting a late VAR-awarded penalty to Morocco.
Additionally, players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each suspended for two official CAF matches for unsporting behavior towards the referee.
Morocco’s Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) was fined a total of $415,000, including $200,000 for misconduct by stadium ball boys, $100,000 for improper conduct by players and technical staff, including entering the VAR area and obstructing the referee, and $15,000 for fans’ use of lasers.
Player Ismail Saibari was fined and suspended for three official CAF matches, while Achraf Hakimi received a two-official CAF match suspension. In a significant ruling, CAF dismissed Morocco’s appeal to strip Senegal of the title due to the walk-off incident, which lasted around 15-17 minutes before the team returned, confirming Senegal’s 1-0 win and their status as official AFCON 2025 champions.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
