AFCON 2025 Final: CAF Suspends Hakimi, Thiaw, Fines Senegal and Morocco

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a series of sanctions against Senegal, Morocco, and several players and officials following incidents in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

In a statement on Wednesday, CAF cited breaches of its Disciplinary Code, including violations of fair play, loyalty, and integrity during and after the final held at Stade Mohammed V in Rabat on January 18.

Sanctions Against Senegal

* Head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw was suspended for five official CAF matches for unsporting conduct and fined $100,000.

* Players Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr received two-match suspensions each for unsporting behavior toward the referee.

* The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) was fined $300,000 for the misconduct of its supporters and an additional $300,000 for unsporting behavior by players and technical staff.

* A separate fine of $15,000 was issued for five Senegalese players receiving cautions.

Sanctions Against Morocco

* Defender Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two official matches, with one match suspended for one year, for unsporting behavior.

* Midfielder Ismaël Saibari was suspended for three matches and fined $100,000.

* The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) was fined $200,000 for the behavior of stadium ball boys, $100,000 for players and staff obstructing the VAR area, and $15,000 for supporter use of lasers.

The final itself saw tensions escalate in stoppage time. With the score at 0-0, Senegal had a goal disallowed for offside, and a VAR review awarded Morocco a late penalty. Senegal’s coach led his team off the pitch in protest, forcing security intervention. The match resumed, and goalkeeper Édouard Mendy saved Morocco’s penalty. In extra time, Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye scored the winning goal, securing the nation’s AFCON title.

CAF also dismissed Morocco’s protest alleging Senegal violated Articles 82 and 84 of the tournament regulations.