The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed down a wave of disciplinary sanctions following the highly volatile TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final, a match that descended into controversy, confrontations and post-match chaos involving players, officials and supporters from both Senegal and Morocco.
After reviewing reports from match officials and disciplinary evidence, CAF’s Disciplinary Board ruled that multiple actions during the final violated key principles of fair play, integrity and sporting conduct, leading to suspensions and fines totaling over USD 1 million.
Hakimi Sanctioned After Flashpoint Incident
The biggest name caught in the disciplinary net was Morocco and Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi.
CAF confirmed that Hakimi has been suspended for two official CAF matches, although one of those suspensions has been suspended for a probationary period of one year.
The punishment relates to what CAF described as unsporting behaviour during the final, in a match already marred by heated exchanges and protests surrounding officiating decisions.
Hakimi’s involvement came amid growing tensions late in the match, with Moroccan players repeatedly challenging refereeing calls, particularly during VAR reviews.
Morocco: Players, Ball Boys and Fans All Penalised
CAF also imposed several sanctions on the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) following a series of incidents involving players, match officials and stadium staff.
• Ismaël Saibari was handed a three-match suspension for unsporting conduct and fined USD 100,000.
• The FRMF was fined USD 200,000 for the inappropriate behaviour of ball boys, whose actions were deemed disruptive during the match.
• A further USD 100,000 fine was imposed after Moroccan players and technical staff invaded the VAR review area, obstructing the referee and breaching Articles 82 and 83 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.
• Moroccan supporters were also sanctioned, with the federation fined USD 15,000 for the use of laser pointers during the final.
Senegal Hit Hard: Coach Banned, Players Suspended, Massive Fines
Senegal, despite lifting the trophy, emerged as the most heavily sanctioned federation following post-match scenes CAF said brought the competition into disrepute.
• Head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw received a five-match CAF suspension for unsporting conduct and was fined USD 100,000.
• Players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr were each suspended for two CAF matches after confronting the referee.
• The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) was fined:
• USD 300,000 for the improper conduct of its supporters
• USD 300,000 for the unsporting behaviour of players and technical staff
• USD 15,000 after five Senegalese players received cautions during the match
CAF stated that Senegal’s actions violated core disciplinary principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity, further escalating what was already a tense final.
CAF Rejects Morocco’s Protest
In addition to the sanctions, CAF also dismissed a formal protest filed by Morocco, which alleged that Senegal breached Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations.
The Disciplinary Board ruled that the protest lacked sufficient grounds, effectively closing the door on any post-final appeal related to the match outcome.
A Final That Will Be Remembered for All the Wrong Reasons
What should have been a historic celebration of African football instead became one of the most controversial AFCON finals in recent memory, overshadowed by disciplinary fallout rather than sporting excellence.
CAF concluded by reiterating its commitment to protecting the integrity of its competitions, warning that future violations will attract even harsher sanctions.
For stars like Hakimi, the message was clear: reputation offers no immunity when the line is crossed.
