The Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently announced significant sanctions against the Senegal and Moroccan football federations following incidents at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final. The disciplinary actions stem from various violations related to unsportsmanlike conduct by players, coaches, and supporters during the tournament’s climactic match.
Sanctions Against Senegalese Football Federation
For the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), CAF’s disciplinary jury has issued the following penalties:
- Mr. Pape Bouna Thiaw, the head coach, is suspended for five official matches due to unsportsmanlike behavior and defaming football’s integrity. A fine of $100,000 has been levied against him.
- Player Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye faces a two-match suspension for inappropriate conduct towards the match referee.
- Player Ismaila Sarr is similarly suspended for two matches for unsportsmanlike behavior towards the referee.
- The FSF has been fined a total of $615,000 for various infractions, including $300,000 for supporters’ misconduct and $300,000 for player and management unsportsmanlike behavior.
- An additional fine of $15,000 was imposed for incidents involving five players receiving warnings for indiscipline.
Sanctions Against Royal Moroccan Football Federation
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) also faced stringent sanctions from the CAF:
- Player Achraf Hakimi has been suspended for two official matches, one of which carries a one-year suspended sentence for unsportsmanlike conduct.
- Ismaël Saibari, another player, has been suspended for three matches for similar offenses and fined $100,000.
- The FRMF has been penalized with a total of $300,000 in fines: $200,000 for the improper behavior of stadium ball collectors and $100,000 for players’ interference in the VAR examination area.
- A fine of $15,000 was imposed for supporters using lasers during the match.
Rejection of FRMF Complaint
Additionally, the disciplinary jury has rejected a complaint submitted by the FRMF. This complaint claimed violations of articles 82 and 84 of the African Cup of Nations rules during the AFCON final held for Morocco’s 2025 hosting.
These actions underscore CAF’s commitment to maintaining integrity and sportsmanship across African football, particularly following high-profile tournaments. Both federations are expected to address these issues seriously to uphold the image of the sport.
