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

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has delivered its final verdict on the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final, which was marred by disorder following protests over controversial refereeing decisions.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, CAF stated that its Disciplinary Board had imposed heavy fines and suspensions on the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) and the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), as well as on several players and officials.

“The CAF Disciplinary Board imposed sanctions on the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) and certain players and officials for incidents during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final, which violated the CAF Disciplinary Code,” the statement read.

CAF Imposes Sanctions on Senegal After AFCON 2025 CHAOS

At an individual level, CAF suspended Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw for five official CAF matches after finding him guilty of unsporting conduct.

CAF said Thiaw led his team in walking off the pitch following the referee’s decision to award Morocco a penalty, an action it ruled violated principles of fair play and integrity and brought the game into disrepute. He was also fined USD 100,000 (approximately KSh 12.9 million).

Also Read: CAF Speaks Out After Morocco vs Senegal Penalty and Disallowed Goal Drama

Two Senegalese players were also sanctioned:

• Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye was suspended for two CAF matches for unsporting behaviour towards the referee.
• Ismaila Sarr of Crystal Palace received a two-match suspension for similar conduct.

At the federation level, CAF imposed multiple fines on FSF:

• USD 300,000 (KSh 38.7 million) for the improper conduct of supporters
• USD 300,000 (KSh 38.7 million) for the unsporting behaviour of players and technical staff
• USD 15,000 (KSh 1.9 million) for team misconduct after five players received cautions

CAF said the actions of Senegal’s players, officials, and supporters brought the game into disrepute.

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

Morocco sanctions

On the Moroccan side, CAF sanctioned both players and the national federation.

Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two official CAF matches, although one of the bans has been suspended for one year, meaning he will miss one immediate match unless he commits another offence within that period.

Midfielder Ismaël Saibari was suspended for three CAF matches and fined USD 100,000 (KSh 12.9 million) for unsporting behaviour.

CAF also fined the Moroccan federation:

• USD 200,000 (KSh 25.8 million) for inappropriate behaviour by stadium ball boys
• USD 100,000 (KSh 12.9 million) after players and technical staff invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee
• USD 15,000 (KSh 1.9 million) for the use of laser pointers by supporters

Protest dismissed

CAF further revealed that it had rejected a protest lodged by Morocco, which accused Senegal of violating Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations during the final.

The Disciplinary Board ruled that the protest lacked merit and upheld the match outcome.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for Instant News Updates

The image shows Jean-Jacques Ndala the ref who officiated the Morocco Vs Senegal Afcon Final
PHOTO/TotalEnergies