In the aftermath of one of the most tumultuous and memorable finals in African football history, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has delivered a sweeping array of punishments totalling almost £1 million. The extraordinary scenes that marred Senegal's dramatic extra-time victory over host nation Morocco have resulted in significant financial penalties and suspensions for players, coaches, and football associations alike.
Heavy Financial Penalties Imposed on Both Nations
The total fines levied against both competing nations amount to an astonishing £914,000, reflecting the severity of the incidents that unfolded during and after the championship match. Senegal's Football Association has been hit with a substantial £445,000 penalty primarily for the conduct of their players and the violent behaviour exhibited by some of their supporters within the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Morocco's football authorities have not escaped censure either, receiving a £228,000 fine for multiple infractions including the unsportsmanlike conduct of their ball boys, inappropriate behaviour from players and coaching staff in the VAR area, and fans using laser pens to distract Senegal's players from the stands.
Match Suspensions and Individual Sanctions
Beyond the financial penalties, CAF has handed down several match bans to key individuals from both teams. Senegal's coach Pape Thiaw has received a five-match suspension alongside a £72,000 fine for instructing his players to leave the pitch in protest after a controversial penalty decision went against his side during extra time.
On the playing side, Everton's Iliman Ndiaye and Crystal Palace's Ismaïla Sarr, both instrumental in Senegal's victory, have been given two-match bans for their involvement in the touchline confrontations. From the Moroccan camp, captain Achraf Hakimi faces a two-match suspension with one of those suspended for a year, while teammate Ismael Saibari has received a three-match ban alongside a £72,000 fine.
The Chaotic Events That Prompted the Sanctions
The match itself descended into chaos on multiple fronts, beginning with Senegal's dramatic walk-off that caused a seventeen-minute interruption to play. This protest came after Moroccan players were awarded a controversial penalty in extra time, following the referee's decision not to grant Senegal a spot kick minutes earlier.
Violence erupted both on the pitch and in the stands, with hundreds of riot police struggling to contain furious Senegalese supporters while players nearly came to blows on the touchline. The unsavoury incidents continued with Moroccan ball boys repeatedly and aggressively attempting to swipe the towel of Senegal's backup goalkeeper in the pouring Rabat rain.
Post-Match Controversies and FIFA's Response
The controversy extended beyond the final whistle, with Senegal manager Pape Thiaw forced to abandon his post-match press conference amid boos from Moroccan journalists, some of whom clashed with their Senegalese counterparts. These scenes represented a wild conclusion to what had been an otherwise successful tournament.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino subsequently released a strong statement condemning what he described as "unacceptable scenes" and "ugly scenes" that must never be repeated in football. He specifically criticised the behaviour of some supporters, Senegalese players, and technical staff members while urging CAF's disciplinary bodies to take appropriate measures.
The match itself will be remembered for its dramatic conclusion, with Brahim Diaz's panenka penalty being easily saved by Edouard Mendy before Pape Gueye's brilliant extra-time strike secured Senegal's second successive AFCON title. However, the celebrations have been significantly tempered by the subsequent disciplinary actions that have left both nations counting the substantial costs of their conduct during African football's showpiece event.
