AFCON 2025: CAF Bans Thiaw, Hakimi, Fines Senegal, Morocco

By: Aremu Toyeebaht

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a range of disciplinary sanctions on the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), as well as several players and officials, following incidents during and after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

In a statement published on its website late Wednesday, CAF said the penalties were issued by its Disciplinary Board for breaches of the CAF Disciplinary Code, including violations of the principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity.

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

“Mr Pape Bouna Thiaw was also fined USD 100,000,” CAF said.

CAF further announced a two-match suspension for Senegal international Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye for unsporting behaviour towards the referee.

Another Senegalese player, Ismaila Sarr, was also handed a two-match suspension for similar unsporting conduct directed at the match official.

In addition, the FSF was fined a total of USD 615,000 for multiple violations. According to CAF, the Senegalese federation was fined USD 300,000 for the improper conduct of its supporters, which brought the game into disrepute, and another USD 300,000 for the unsporting behaviour of its players and technical staff.

CAF also imposed a further USD 15,000 fine on the FSF due to five of its players receiving cautions during the match.

Sanctions were also announced against Morocco and its football authorities. CAF suspended Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi for two official CAF matches, with one of the matches suspended for a one-year probationary period, for unsporting behaviour.

Midfielder Ismaël Saibari received a three-match suspension and a fine of USD 100,000 for unsporting conduct.

The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football was fined USD 200,000 for the inappropriate behaviour of stadium ball boys during the final.

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

An additional USD 15,000 fine was levied against the FRMF for the use of lasers by Moroccan supporters during the match.