MOROCCO TO APPEAL CAF SANCTIONS OVER AFCON FINAL CHAOS
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
Morocco’s football federation has announced plans to appeal the disciplinary sanctions and heavy fines imposed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following chaotic scenes during last month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Senegal.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was fined a total of $315,000 and handed player suspensions after the controversial final, which Senegal won after extra time.
In a statement, the FRMF said it would file an appeal “in order to preserve all rights guaranteed by the regulations,” arguing that the sanctions were disproportionate to the incidents that occurred during the match.
The AFCON final, played on January 18, descended into controversy late in regulation time when an Ismaila Sarr goal was disallowed for a foul on 2025 African Player of the Year, Achraf Hakimi. Moments later, Morocco were awarded a penalty after Brahim Diaz was fouled, triggering furious protests from the Senegalese camp.
The penalty, delayed by protests and VAR checks, was eventually taken by Diaz but weakly struck and saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The match proceeded to extra time, where Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal to secure Senegal’s second AFCON title.
During the stoppage caused by the disputed penalty decision, sections of Senegal supporters threw projectiles onto the pitch, while others briefly invaded the field before security personnel restored order.
CAF fined Morocco $200,000 for the “inappropriate behaviour of stadium ball boys,” while an additional $100,000 fine was imposed for the “improper conduct” of players and technical staff who invaded the VAR review area and interfered with the Congolese referee’s duties. Moroccan supporters were also fined $15,000 for using laser pointers to distract Senegalese players.
On the disciplinary front, Moroccan forward Ismael Saibari received a three-match ban and a $100,000 fine for “unsporting behaviour,” while captain Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two matches.
Senegal were also hit with sanctions, receiving total fines amounting to $615,000. Their head coach, Pape Thiaw, was handed a five-match ban, while players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr received two-match suspensions for “unsporting behaviour towards the referee.”
The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) has likewise confirmed it will appeal the sanctions, which CAF said were imposed for violations of its disciplinary code, including breaches of principles of fair play, loyalty, and integrity.
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