Kenya, January 29 2026 — The aftermath of a dramatic Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat has exploded into a disciplinary storm. The Confederation of African Football has handed down a string of heavy penalties to both Senegal and Morocco after a Disciplinary Board review found multiple breaches of the CAF Disciplinary Code during the 2025 final.
The Verdict in Brief
CAF’s ruling leaves no doubt: the showpiece match that crowned Senegal champions was also the scene of conduct deemed unacceptable at the continent’s highest level. The sanctions target coaches, players, federations, and even supporters, underlining a zero tolerance approach to behaviour that undermines fair play.'
Senegal Hit Hard
Senegal, who clinched the title with a 1-0 extra-time victory, bore the brunt of the punishments. Head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw was suspended for five CAF matches and fined $100,000 for conduct that CAF said brought the game into disrepute. Two key players, Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr, were each banned for two CAF matches for unsporting behaviour directed at the referee.
The Senegalese Football Federation was slapped with a staggering $615,000 fine. That sum breaks down into $300,000 for supporter misconduct, $300,000 for unsporting behaviour by players and technical staff, and $15,000 for team misconduct during the final.
Morocco Also Penalised
Morocco did not escape scrutiny. Defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension with one match suspended on probation. Midfielder Ismaël Saibari was handed a three-match suspension and fined $100,000 for unsporting behaviour. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation was fined $315,000 for a series of breaches, including misconduct by stadium ball boys, interference with the VAR review area, and the use of laser pointers by supporters.
Appeal Rejected and Title Confirmed
Morocco’s formal protest, which sought to overturn the result and cited incidents including Senegal briefly leaving the pitch in protest over a late penalty decision, was dismissed by CAF’s disciplinary board. Senegal’s victory and the championship stand as confirmed.
Wider Message and Consequences
CAF’s sanctions send a clear message: discipline and respect are non-negotiable, even on football’s grandest African stage. The penalties apply to CAF competitions and will shape participation in future continental tournaments. They do not automatically extend to global events such as the World Cup unless other governing bodies impose separate measures.
As African football continues to grow in profile and intensity, these rulings are meant to reinforce standards and remind every stakeholder — from officials to fans — that conduct on and off the pitch will be watched and judged.
