Is this fair? Madowo Questions Fines Imposed on Senegal & Morocco

Emmanuel Rono 5 days ago

Renowned journalist Larry Madowo has raised eyebrows over the heavy penalties handed down following the chaotic 2026 AFCON final in Morocco.

Taking to his Facebook page, Madowo questioned whether it is fair that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board fined Senegal USD 615,000 while Morocco was fined USD 315,000.

“Senegal will pay double Morocco’s fine after chaotic AFCON final. Senegal’s coach Pape Thiaw is suspended for 5 matches and fined $100,000 as players on both sides face punishment from CAF Disciplinary Board. Is this fair?” Madowo questioned.

Following the chaotic AFCON final, the CAF Disciplinary Board has slapped Senegal with a $615,000 fine, while host nation Morocco faces a $315,000 penalty.

The sanctions don’t stop at the federations, however; the board is also penalizing the Senegalese head coach and players from both squads.

Also Read: OPINION: 12 Lessons from African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco

Confederation of African Football (CAF) sanctions

In reaction to the chaotic final between Senegal and hosts Morocco on January 18—which included a dramatic walk-off protest, fans attempting to storm the pitch, and altercations involving journalists—the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced sanctions on Wednesday, January 28.

CAF clarified that the prohibitions apply only to African competitions and will not affect the June World Cup, for which both Morocco and Senegal have already qualified.

Following the walk-off, the final was suspended for about 15 minutes. After extra time, Senegal won 1–0 to secure the African title after Morocco missed a penalty.

Also Read: Hakimi Banned, Senegal Coach Suspended as CAF Delivers Verdict on AFCON Final

The consequences went well beyond the walk-off. Reporters from Senegal and Morocco engaged in altercations in press areas, players from both teams fought on the sidelines, and supporters attempted to enter the field.

The attempt by Moroccan ball boys to steal a towel from Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy in an apparent attempt to divert him was one of the most bizarre flashpoints.

Morocco’s federation was fined an additional $200,000 for that incident alone.

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