Morocco to Appeal CAF Sanctions After Controversial AFCON Final
Morocco have confirmed they will appeal the disciplinary sanctions imposed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following last month’s controversial Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal.
The hosts lost the Morocco 2025 final 1–0 after extra time in Rabat in a match that was overshadowed by crowd trouble, clashes involving players and officials, and a long stoppage late in normal time.
In a statement, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) described the punishments handed out by CAF as “disproportionate” and said it would explore all legal options available to challenge the decision.
The final was stopped for 14 minutes after Senegal players walked off the pitch in protest over a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decision that ruled out a late goal. After play was halted, Senegal supporters invaded the pitch, leading to further confrontations involving players and officials from both teams.
Following the incident, CAF’s Disciplinary Committee banned Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw for five matches and fined him $100,000 for ordering his players to leave the field. Senegal’s football federation was also fined $615,000 for the behaviour of their players and supporters.
Senegal players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each given two-match bans for what CAF described as unsporting behaviour towards match officials.
Morocco were fined a total of $315,000 after CAF cited misconduct by players, officials and fans, including the use of laser pointers and interference near the VAR area.
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension, with one match suspended for a year, while Ismael Saibari was banned for three matches. Both players were punished for attempting to remove Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy’s towel during heavy rain.
CAF had earlier rejected Morocco’s request to overturn the result of the final.
In its statement, the FRMF said its appeal would focus on “the withdrawal of Senegalese players and the conduct of their supporters” during the match, adding that the move was to protect the federation’s legal rights.
Despite the controversy, CAF said the tournament was a commercial success and recorded its highest-ever revenue. However, the sanctions will apply across CAF competitions, bringing a disappointing end to a tournament Morocco had hoped would be memorable on home soil.
