The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) says it will not appeal against sanctions issued by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on January 28, 2026, following a dramatic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Morocco.
In a statement released on January 31, 2026, the FSF said it had decided not to challenge the sporting and financial sanctions imposed on the federation.
“This decision also extends to the individual measures affecting head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw as well as players Ismaïla Sarr and Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye.”
The FSF confirmed it will assume full financial responsibility in accordance with Article 91.4 of the CAF Disciplinary Code, covering fines related to the federation, technical staff, and players.
Senegal’s football governing body also stated that it remains faithful to its principles of conduct and reaffirmed its determination to defend its legitimate rights and interests within football’s governing bodies. It added that it intends to pursue its actions in strict compliance with its statutory obligations, thereby contributing to the promotion of CAF regulations, the integrity of the game, and the development of African football.
The statement comes days after CAF imposed suspensions and significant financial penalties on Senegal and Morocco following disciplinary breaches during and after the AFCON Morocco 2025 final.
In a statement released by CAF’s Disciplinary Board, the governing body said the sanctions were handed down after multiple incidents were found to have violated provisions of the CAF Disciplinary Code, particularly those relating to fair play, integrity, and respect for match officials.
Senegal received the most severe sanctions. Head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw was suspended for five official CAF matches and fined US$100,000 for unsporting conduct, with CAF stating that his actions brought the game into disrepute.
During the match, Thiaw ordered his players off the pitch in protest over the referee’s decision to award Morocco a penalty following a VAR review.
Two Senegal players, Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr, were each handed two-match suspensions for unsporting behaviour towards the referee during the final.
The Senegalese Football Federation was also fined a total of US$615,000. According to CAF, the penalty was imposed for a combination of offences, including improper conduct by supporters, unsporting behaviour by players and technical officials, and misconduct related to the team receiving five yellow cards during the match.
Morocco were also sanctioned over incidents involving players, officials, and supporters. Defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension, with one of the bans suspended for a period of one year. Midfielder Ismaël Saibari was suspended for three CAF matches and fined US$100,000 for unsporting behaviour.
CAF further fined the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) US$200,000 for the conduct of ball boys during the match. An additional US$100,000 fine was imposed after players and officials were found to have invaded the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review area and interfered with the referee’s duties.
A further fine of US$15,000 was levied against Morocco for the use of laser devices by supporters inside the stadium.
