CAF said its Disciplinary Board sanctioned the Senegalese and Moroccan football federations, as well as players and officials from both teams, for breaches of the CAF Disciplinary Code committed during and after the final.
Senegal defeated Morocco 1–0 after extra time to claim the continental title, but the match was marred by protests, pitch-side confrontations, and crowd unrest, triggered by a controversial Video Assistant Referee decision late in normal time.
As part of the disciplinary measures, Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw was handed a five-match suspension for unsporting conduct and fined 100,000 dollars for bringing the game into disrepute. Senegal internationals Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were also sanctioned, each receiving a two-match ban from CAF competitions. In addition, the Senegal Football Federation was fined 615,000 dollars.
On the Moroccan side, defender Achraf Hakimi was given a two-match suspension, with one match suspended for a year, while midfielder Ismaël Saibari received a three-match ban and a fine of 100,000 dollars. The Moroccan Football Federation was fined 315,000 dollars for a series of infractions, including misconduct by ball boys, the invasion of the VAR area by officials and players, and the use of laser pointers by supporters.
CAF also dismissed a formal protest lodged by Morocco, which alleged regulatory breaches by Senegal. The governing body ruled that the complaint lacked merit under AFCON regulations.
The final descended into chaos after a VAR-awarded penalty was given to Morocco, prompting protests from Senegalese players and a brief walk-off that halted play for nearly 20 minutes. Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy later saved Brahim Díaz’s penalty, before Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal in extra time to secure Senegal’s historic victory.
Prior to the announcement of sanctions, FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the incidents surrounding the final, describing the scenes as unacceptable.
“We strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members.
“It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner,” Infantino said.
“It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport; it is simply not right.”
CAF said the disciplinary actions reaffirmed its commitment to discipline, fair play and respect for match officials, bringing a turbulent conclusion to the AFCON 2025 tournament.
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