CAF Sanctions Following Controversial AFCON 2025 Final: Coach Suspended, Morocco's Protest Dismissed

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has taken significant disciplinary actions following the chaotic final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where Senegal triumphed over Morocco 1-0. Senegal's head coach, Pape Bouna Thiaw, has been suspended for five matches and fined $100,000 for unsporting conduct after he urged his players to walk off the pitch during the match. Additionally, two Senegalese players, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, received two-match suspensions for their misconduct during the final. The Senegalese Football Federation faces a total financial penalty of $615,000 due to various infractions, including supporter behavior.

In a related development, Morocco's protest to strip Senegal of the title was dismissed by CAF, which deemed the complaint without merit. The Moroccan Football Federation had alleged that Senegal violated AFCON regulations during the final, but CAF upheld Senegal's victory, confirming their status as champions. However, Morocco was not spared from penalties; they were fined $300,000 for the misconduct of ball boys and players, with defender Achraf Hakimi receiving a two-match suspension and midfielder Ismaël Saibari facing a three-match ban and a $100,000 fine.

CAF's Second Vice President, Kurt Okraku, defended the referees amidst the controversies, acknowledging that while some decisions were questionable, they should not overshadow the tournament's overall success. The final match has been characterized as one of the most controversial in AFCON history, highlighting ongoing issues of discipline and fair play in African football.