The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed sanctions on the Senegalese and Moroccan football federations, as well as several players, following chaotic incidents that marred the 2025 African Cup of Nations final.
CAF announced that Senegal’s head coach, Pape Bouna Thiaw, has been suspended for five matches due to unsporting conduct. Additionally, player Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye received a two-match suspension for unsporting behaviour toward the referee.
“Mr Pape Bouna Thiaw was also fined USD 100,000,” the statement read.
CAF also decided to “suspend the Senegalese national team player, Mr Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye, for two (2) official CAF matches, for his unsporting behaviour towards the referee.
“To suspend Senegalese national team player, Mr Ismaila Sarr, for two (2) official CAF matches for his unsporting behaviour towards the referee.
“To fine the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), USD 300,000 for the improper conduct of its supporters, which brought the game into disrepute in violation of the CAF Disciplinary Code principles of fair play and integrity.
“To fine the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), USD 300,000 for the unsporting conduct of their players and technical staff in violation of the CAF Disciplinary Code principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity. The unsporting conduct of their players and the technical staff also brought the game into disrepute.
“To fine the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), USD 15,000 for the misconduct of its national team, due to five (5) of its players having received cautions.”
Morocco and PSG defender Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two matches, with one match suspended for one year, and midfielder Ismaël Saibari was suspended for three matches and fined $100,000 for unsporting behaviour. The final on January 18, 2026, at the Stade Mohammed V in Rabat ended in chaos. After Senegal had a goal disallowed and Morocco was awarded a last-minute penalty, Thiaw led his players off the pitch in protest.6*6
The game resumed, and after a penalty save by Senegal’s goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, Senegal won 1-0 in extra time with a goal from Pape Gueye. Both CAF and FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the events.
CAF also addressed a protest by the Moroccan federation over alleged regulatory violations by Senegal.
“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.
