AFCON 2025 final: Hakimi, Pape Thiaw banned as CAF metes out punishment to Morocco, Senegal

Jan 29, 2026 - 10:30

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced sanctions for Senegal and Morocco, following the shenanigans that occurred during the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 2025 AFCON final was played on January 18, and it was filled with drama. Before matchday, the Senegalese FA had already started complaining about the treatment it received from the Moroccans.

There was also some skepticism about the officiating, given some questionable calls from the referees in some of Morocco's games.

However, the final was perfect until stoppage time. Referee Jean-Philippe Ndala made a controversial call that cost Senegal a goal. Then, just a few minutes later, he awarded a controversial penalty to Morocco.

That was when the game descended into chaos. Senegal coach Pape Thiaw called his players into the dressing room. It took the intervention of Sadio Mané to convince the players to return to the pitch.

Then, there was fighting among fans in the stadium, with some of them suffering injuries. Eventually, Senegal returned to the game, but

Brahim Diaz missed his penalty for Morocco. Then, in stoppage time, Pape Gueye scored the winning goal for the Teranga Lions.

Amid all the visible drama, there were some issues that were captured by fans and posted on social media — mainly the antics of Moroccans which were targeted at the Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

But despite the wrongdoing by both teams, Morocco filed an official complaint to CAF for the game to be annulled.

The African football ruling body sat on the matter over the weekend, and they announced their decisions on Thursday morning.

Which Sanctions Did CAF Impose on Senegal and Morocco?

In a communique released by the Confederation of African Football on Thursday morning, the following sanctions were announced for Senegal and Morocco:

Senegalese players celebrating AFCON win (Photo by Imago)

To suspend Mr Pape Thiaw, the Head Coach of Senegal, for five (5) official CAF matches for his unsporting conduct in violation of the CAF Disciplinary Code principles of fair play and integrity and for bringing the game into disrepute. Thiaw was also fined $100,000.
To suspend Iliman Ndiaye for two (2) official CAF matches, for his unsporting behaviour towards the referee.
To suspend Ismaila Sarr for two (2) official CAF matches for his unsporting behaviour towards the referee.
To fine the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), $300,000 for the improper conduct of its supporters, which brought the game into disrepute in violation of the CAF Disciplinary Code principles of fair play and integrity.
Morocco AFCON 2025 Finals match between Morocco and Senegal Photo by ImagoxSamuel Ameyaw Yeboah
To fine the FSF, $300,000 for the unsporting conduct of their players and technical staff in violation of the CAF Disciplinary Code principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity. The unsporting conduct of their players and the technical staff also brought the game into disrepute.
To fine FSF $15,000 for the misconduct of its National Team, due to five (5) of its players having received cautions.
To suspend Achraf Hakimi for two (2) official CAF matches, with one (1) these matches being suspended for one (1) year from the date of this decision, for his unsporting behaviour.
To suspend the Ismaël Saibari for three (3) official CAF matches for his unsporting behaviour. He was also fined USD 100,000.
To fine the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) USD 200,000, for the inappropriate behaviour of the stadium’s ball boys during the aforementioned match.
To fine the FRMF USD 100,000 for the improper conduct of their players and technical staff, who invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee’s work, in violation of the principles of fair play and integrity, as stated in Articles 82 and 83 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

To fine the FRMF $15,000 for the use of lasers by its supporters during the aforementioned matchAlso, on the protest that was lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) regarding alleged violations by the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) violations of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations