CAF hands suspensions and fines after AFCON final chaos
The Confederation of African Football Disciplinary Board has sanctioned both the Senegalese and Moroccan football federations, as well as several players and officials, following incidents during the AFCON final. Pape Bouna Thiaw, Achraf Hakimi, and other players received suspensions for unsporting conduct. The match saw dramatic scenes, including a disallowed goal, a controversial penalty, and a walk-off protest. The final at Stade Mohammed V in Rabat ended with Senegal claiming the AFCON title after extra time.
Match highlights
- Pape Bouna Thiaw was suspended for five official CAF matches and fined USD 100,000 for unsporting conduct.
- Senegalese players Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each suspended for two official CAF matches for unsporting behaviour towards the referee.
- The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football was fined USD 300,000 for improper conduct of supporters, another USD 300,000 for unsporting conduct of players and staff, and USD 15,000 for multiple player cautions.
- Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two official CAF matches (one suspended for one year), and Ismaël Saibari received a three-match suspension and a USD 100,000 fine.
- The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football was fined USD 200,000 for inappropriate behaviour by stadium ball boys, USD 100,000 for improper conduct by players and staff, and USD 15,000 for laser use by supporters during the match.
- The final, held at the Stade Mohammed V in Rabat on January 18, 2026, saw Senegal win after extra time, following a dramatic series of events including a disallowed goal, a VAR-awarded penalty, and a walk-off protest.
