The Confederation of African Football has handed down significant sanctions following the chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco on January 18.
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has been banned for five CAF matches after being found guilty of “unsporting conduct” and “bringing the game into disrepute.”
Senegalese forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr received two-match bans for “unsporting behaviour towards the referee.” The Senegal Football Federation was fined a total of $615,000 for various offences, including the conduct of players and technical staff.
For Morocco, captain Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two matches, while forward Ismael Saibari received a three-match ban and a $100,000 fine. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation was fined a total of $315,000 for multiple violations, including the “inappropriate behaviour of the stadium ball boys,” players and staff invading the VAR review area, and supporters using lasers to distract opponents.
The sanctions stem from a tumultuous final in Rabat, which Senegal won 1-0 in extra time. The match erupted in controversy late in regular time when a Senegal goal was disallowed, and Morocco was awarded a penalty. TV coverage showed Coach Thiaw appearing to gesture for his players to leave the pitch, leading to a walk-off. Play only resumed after star forward Sadio Mane persuaded his teammates to return.
The bans apply to CAF matches and will not affect the teams’ preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, Thiaw will miss five of Senegal’s six 2027 AFCON qualifiers later this year, while the sanctioned players will miss the first two qualifying matches.
