TheCAF Disciplinary Board chose to «split the difference» by imposing sanctions on the Senegalese and Moroccan federations, as well as several players and officials, following the incidents that occurred during the Africa Cup of Nations final. CAF appears to have opted for a fragile balance, casting a shadow over the integrity of future competitions. DR ‹ › The CAF Disciplinary Board on Wednesday issued its long-awaited decision on the incidents that occurred during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final. Citing violations of the CAF Disciplinary Code, the board imposed sanctions on the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), as well as several players and officials. On the Senegalese side, head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw was suspended for five CAF matches and fined USD 100,000 for unsporting conduct. Players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr were each handed two-match CAF suspensions for unsporting behaviour toward the referee. The FSF was also fined USD 300,000 for the improper conduct of its supporters, who attempted to storm the pitch following a late penalty awarded to Morocco. An additional USD 300,000 fine was imposed for the unsporting conduct of Senegalese players and technical staff, along with a USD 15,000 fine due to five cautions received by Senegalese players during the match. Morocco equally sanctioned Surprisingly Morocco was handed almost the same sanctions by CAF's board. On the Moroccan side, Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two CAF matches, with one match suspended for one year, for unsporting behaviour. Ismaël Saibari received a three-match suspension and a USD 100,000 fine for unsporting conduct. The FRMF was fined USD 200,000 for the inappropriate behaviour of ball boys, in reference to the towel incident involving a Senegalese goalkeeper. It was also fined USD 100,000 for players and technical staff invading the VAR review area and obstructing the referee, as well as USD 15,000 for the use of lasers by supporters. The CAF Disciplinary Board further rejected the protest filed by the FRMF against the FSF concerning alleged violations of Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations. These articles establish a framework for sanctioning teams that abandon matches, including forfeiture by a 3–0 scoreline and elimination. Morocco had invoked these provisions following Senegal's temporary exit from the pitch during the final, but the CAF Board ultimately dismissed the protest. In a strange balancing act, CAF ultimately chose to split the difference, sending a troubling signal to teams that might be tempted to walk off the pitch to put pressure on referees during high-stakes matches, knowing that the resulting sanction would be largely symbolic. Article modifié le 29/01/2026 à 12h19
