The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board has announced significant sanctions against the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) and the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) for unsporting behavior during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Final. These decisions stem from violations of the CAF Disciplinary Code observed during the match.
The sanctions against the FSF includes the suspension of head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw for five official CAF matches due to unsporting conduct. Thiaw has also been fined USD 100,000. Additionally, players Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr from the Senegalese national team face bans of two matches each for their unsporting behavior towards the referee.
In a further blow to Senegal’s football governance, the FSF faces heavy financial penalties. The federation has been fined a total of USD 615,000. This includes USD 300,000 for the improper conduct of fans, as well as a similar amount for the unsporting conduct of its players and technical staff. A fine of USD 15,000 was also levied due to the misconduct of the national team, stemming from five player cautions during the match.
The CAF Disciplinary Board did not spare the FRMF either. Moroccan national team player Achraf Hakimi has been suspended for two official matches, with one match suspended for a year. His teammate, Ismaël Saibari, faces a more substantial penalty of three matches and a fine of USD 100,000 for unsporting behavior.
Both federations were also penalized for inappropriate actions by their respective supporters and staff. The FRMF has been fined USD 200,000 due to the poor behavior of ball boys during the final, as well as USD 100,000 for players and staff obstructing the referee’s duties in the VAR area, violating fair play principles. They have also incurred a fine of USD 15,000 for the use of lasers by fans during the match.
The CAF Disciplinary Board addressed a protest from the FRMF concerning alleged violations by the FSF. This protest, which cited breaches of Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations, was ultimately rejected by the board.
The disciplinary measures reflect CAF’s commitment to uphold fair play, integrity, and professionalism within African football. The decisions, affecting not only the players but also the governing bodies involved, aim to deter similar incidents in future competitions.
These sanctions highlight the growing scrutiny over player and fan conduct during matches, as CAF continues to enforce its Disciplinary Code with seriousness. The penalties serve as a reminder to all federations to prioritize sportsmanship and respect within the game.
While the immediate effects of these sanctions will be felt by the players and federations involved, they also send a clear message across the continent regarding the importance of maintaining discipline and integrity in football.
The football community in Senegal and Morocco will undoubtedly respond to these developments as they navigate the consequences of this situation. The upcoming matches will see key players absent, impacting their respective teams.
The CAF Disciplinary Board’s decision represents a pivotal moment in African football governance, reinforcing the need for adherence to regulations that promote the spirit of the game.
