AFCON 2025: CAF Suspends Thiaw, Hakimi as Senegal, Morocco Get Heavy Fines

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a series of disciplinary sanctions on both Senegal and Morocco following chaotic scenes during the AFCON 2025 final in Rabat. The decision comes after breaches of the CAF Disciplinary Code involving unsporting behavior and conduct that brought the game into disrepute.

Senegal’s head coach, Pape Bouna Thiaw, received a five-match suspension from CAF competitions and was fined USD 100,000 for “unsporting conduct” and bringing the match into disrepute. Two Senegal players, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each suspended for two official CAF matches for unsporting behaviour toward the referee during the final.

The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) was fined a total of USD 615,000, including penalties for supporter misconduct, player and technical staff behaviour, and team disciplinary issues.

On the Moroccan side, defender Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two CAF matches, with one of those suspended for a year on probation, for unsporting conduct. Midfielder Ismaël Saibari received a three-match suspension and a USD 100,000 fine.

The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) was fined USD 315,000 for multiple violations, including inappropriate behaviour by stadium ball boys, improper conduct by players and staff who disrupted the VAR review area, and the use of lasers by supporters during the match.

CAF also rejected Morocco’s protest against Senegal concerning alleged regulation breaches during the final, effectively closing the disciplinary case related to the controversial match.

The sanctions reflect CAF’s efforts to uphold fair play, integrity and respect for officials following a match that saw heightened tensions and dramatic confrontations on the field.