AFCON final fallout: CAF suspends Hakimi, Thiaw, issues fines on Senegal, Morocco

Following the dramatic incidents at the 2025 African Cup of Nations final, the Confederation of African Football’s Disciplinary Board levied fines on the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football, the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football, and many players and officials.

According to a statement issued on the CAF website on Wednesday night, the sanctions were imposed for infractions of the CAF Disciplinary Code, including infringement of the principles of fair play, loyalty, and integrity during and after the final match.

As part of the decisions against Senegal, CAF suspended the head coach of the Senegalese national team, Pape Bouna Thiaw, for five official CAF matches for his “unsporting conduct” and “for bringing the game into disrepute.”

“Mr Pape Bouna Thiaw was also fined USD 100,000,” the statement read.

CAF also decided to “suspend the Senegalese national team player, Mr Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye for two (2) official CAF matches, for his unsporting behaviour towards the referee.

“To suspend Senegalese national team player, Mr Ismaila Sarr for two (2) official CAF matches for his unsporting behaviour towards the referee.

“To fine the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), USD 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.

“To fine the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), USD 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 the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), USD 15,000 for the misconduct of its national team, due to five (5) of its players having received cautions.”

With regard to Morocco, CAF suspended national team defender, Achraf Hakimi, for two official CAF matches, with one of the matches suspended for one year from the date of the decision, for unsporting behaviour.

The FRMF was fined 200,000 dollars for the inappropriate behaviour of stadium ball boys during the final.

CAF also imposed a fine of 100,000 dollars on the Moroccan federation for the improper conduct of its players and technical staff, who invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee’s work.

An additional fine of 15,000 dollars was issued for the use of lasers by Moroccan supporters during the match.