African teams sanctioned over football final chaos (PHOTOS/VIDEOS)
Wild scenes unfolded on the pitch late in the match, which Senegal went on to win 1-0 in extra time against host Morocco
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Wednesday that the Senegalese and Moroccan football federations will face financial penalties and suspensions following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.
On January 18, the match between Senegal and host nation Morocco was marred by controversy and disorder. With the score tied at 0-0 late in regular time, a penalty was awarded to Morocco, which triggered protests from Senegal’s players and coach Pape Bouna Thiaw, who briefly led his team off the pitch in protest.
After the penalty was missed, Senegal went on to score in extra time and win 1-0.
Tense scenes, including supporters near the field and unsporting behavior, led the CAF to condemn their conduct.
On the Senegal side, the CAF Disciplinary Board suspended head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw for five official CAF matches and fined him $100,000. The body also suspended Senegalese players Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye, and Ismaila Sarr for two matches each.
The Senegalese federation was fined $300,000 for supporters’ misconduct, $300,000 for unsporting conduct by players and staff, and $15,000 for team misconduct after multiple cautions.
Senegal vs Morocco Riot
— HBones Media®️ (@HbonesMedia) January 19, 2026
Disturbing moments captured as Violence sparked from the Senegal camp after Morocco was awarded a controversial penalty, nearing stoppage time.
Watch as chairs were flying around used as weapons…#AFCON2025FINAL #AfrikaCup #africacup #Morocco… pic.twitter.com/F5xHIOYkUD
For Morocco, the CAF suspended Achraf Hakimi for two matches, and Ismael Saibari for three matches, also fining him $100,000. The country’s football federation was fined $200,000 for inappropriate behavior by ball boys, $100,000 for players and staff obstructing the referee, and $15,000 for the use of lasers by supporters.
A $200,000 fine has been given to the Moroccan ball boys for their behaviour in the AFCON final.
— george (@StokeyyG2) January 29, 2026
The CAF Disciplinary Jury has already rejected the appeal lodged by the Moroccan FA. pic.twitter.com/w4OXnZl3Kn
The CAF has a history of imposing sanctions on teams, officials, and football federations. In August 2025, the Football Kenya Federation was fined after its match against Morocco in the African Nations Championship was found to have serious safety and security breaches. Earlier in January, the confederation also suspended Cameroon Football Federation President Samuel Eto’o for four matches.
READ MORE: Morocco make history with first U‑20 World Cup title (VIDEO, PHOTO)
The AFCON, organized by the CAF, is held every two years and is considered the most prestigious competition in Africa, with 24 teams competing for the continental title. The 2025 AFCON was the 35th edition, hosted by Morocco from December 2025 to January 2026.