CAF Suspends Thiaw, Hakimi, Fines Senegal, Morocco Over AFCON Final Chaos
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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed down a series of sanctions following the chaotic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Senegal and Morocco, played on January 18 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Senegal head coach, Pape Thiaw, has been banned for five CAF matches after being found guilty of unsporting conduct and bringing the game into disrepute. CAF said Thiaw’s actions during the tense closing stages of the final, which Senegal won 1–0 after extra time, violated the principles of fair play and integrity.
Two Senegalese forwards, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, were also suspended for two matches each for unsporting behaviour towards the referee. In addition, the Senegal Football Federation (FSF) was fined a total of $615,000 for multiple offences committed by players, officials and supporters during the match.
On the Moroccan side, forward Ismael Saibari received a three-match suspension and a $100,000 fine, while captain and defender Achraf Hakimi was banned for two matches. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was fined $200,000 over the inappropriate conduct of stadium ball boys.
CAF further imposed an additional $100,000 fine on Morocco for the improper conduct of players and technical staff who invaded the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review area and obstructed the work of the Congolese referee. A separate $15,000 fine was issued after Moroccan supporters were found to have used laser devices to distract Senegalese players, bringing Morocco’s total fine to $315,000.
The final descended into controversy late in regulation time when a goal by Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr was disallowed for a foul on Hakimi, who was named Africa’s Player of the Year in 2025. Moments later, Morocco were awarded a penalty after Brahim Diaz was fouled, sparking furious protests from Senegalese players and officials.
Television footage showed Thiaw gesturing towards his players in a manner widely interpreted as instructing them to leave the pitch. Most of the Senegal team briefly walked off into the dressing room before star forward Sadio Mané intervened and persuaded his teammates to return, allowing play to resume.
Morocco eventually missed the penalty, with Diaz’s weak effort saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The match went into extra time, where Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal to secure Senegal’s second AFCON title.
During the stoppage caused by the penalty incident, some supporters wearing Senegalese colours threw projectiles onto the pitch, while others briefly invaded the field before police and security officials restored order.
CAF clarified that all suspensions apply strictly to CAF competitions and will not affect preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Senegal will compete in Group I alongside France, Norway and the winner of the intercontinental play-offs, while Morocco have been drawn in Group C with Brazil, Scotland and Haiti.
Thiaw will be barred from the technical area for five of Senegal’s six 2027 AFCON qualifying matches, while the suspended players will miss the opening qualifiers scheduled for September, October and November.
