CAF Suspends Hakimi, Thiaw; Fines Senegal, Morocco at AFCON 2025 Final
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has implemented various disciplinary sanctions following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final. The match, which took place on January 18, 2026, at the Stade Mohammed V in Rabat, ended dramatically amid controversial moments leading to these sanctions.
Sanctions Imposed on Teams and Players
CAF penalized both Senegal and Morocco, along with several players and officials for breaches of the CAF Disciplinary Code. These violations included unsporting conduct and a failure to uphold the principles of fair play and integrity.
Sanctions Against Senegal
- Pape Bouna Thiaw: The head coach of the Senegalese national team received a five-match suspension for unsporting behavior and was fined USD 100,000.
- Iliman Ndiaye: The Senegalese player was suspended for two official matches due to unsporting behavior towards the referee.
- Ismaila Sarr: Another Senegalese player, Sarr, also faced a two-match suspension for similar infractions.
- Fédération Sénégalaise de Football: The football federation was fined a total of USD 615,000 for various offenses, including:
- USD 300,000 for improper conduct by supporters.
- USD 300,000 for players and technical staff’s unsporting conduct.
- USD 15,000 due to five players receiving cautions.
Sanctions Against Morocco
- Achraf Hakimi: The Moroccan defender was suspended for two matches, one of which is deferred for one year, for unsporting behavior.
- Ismaël Saibari: The midfielder received a three-match suspension and a fine of USD 100,000 for similar conduct.
- Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football: The federation was fined a total of USD 315,000 for various misconduct issues, including:
- USD 200,000 for inappropriate behavior by stadium ball boys.
- USD 100,000 for obstructing the referee’s work during the VAR review.
- USD 15,000 due to the use of lasers by supporters.
Background of the Final
The final match was marked by tension and chaos, especially in the final minutes of regular time, with the score at 0-0. Senegal had a goal disallowed for offside, only for Morocco to be awarded a penalty after a VAR review. Senegal’s head coach, discontent with the decisions, led his team off the pitch temporarily, causing security intervention. Eventually, the match resumed, resulting in a penalty save by Senegal’s goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.
In extra time, Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal that secured Senegal’s AFCON title. The controversial events drew criticism from leaders including CAF and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Conclusion
The CAF Disciplinary Board’s decisions reflect a strong stance on maintaining integrity within African football. The events of the 2025 AFCON final will have lasting implications for both teams and their respective federations going forward.
