Morocco’s football governing body has announced plans to contest the disciplinary measures and financial penalties handed down by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following the disorderly scenes that marred last month’s Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was hit with cumulative fines amounting to $315,000, alongside suspensions imposed on two Moroccan players, after CAF concluded its review of incidents surrounding the January 18 final.
In an official statement, the FRMF confirmed it would file an appeal “in order to preserve all rights guaranteed by the regulations,” arguing that there was “non-conformity of these sanctions with the extent and seriousness of the incidents that occurred.”
The AFCON final took a dramatic turn late in regulation time when a goal by Ismaila Sarr was ruled out following a foul on “2025 African player of the year” Achraf Hakimi. Tensions escalated further when Morocco were awarded a penalty after forward Brahim Diaz was brought down, triggering intense protests from Senegalese players and officials.
After a lengthy delay, Diaz stepped up to take the spot kick but saw his weak effort saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The match eventually went into extra time, where Pape Gueye struck the decisive goal to secure Senegal’s second AFCON title.
During the stoppage caused by the disputed penalty decision, sections of Senegal’s supporters threw objects onto the pitch, while others briefly entered the field of play before security personnel and police restored order.
CAF fined Morocco $200,000 for what it described as the “inappropriate behaviour of the stadium ball boys.” An additional $100,000 penalty was imposed for the “improper conduct” of Moroccan players and technical staff who entered the VAR review zone and interfered with the duties of the Congolese referee.
Morocco also received a $15,000 fine after some of its supporters used laser devices in an attempt to distract Senegalese players during the match.
On the disciplinary front, Moroccan forward Ismael Saibari was sanctioned with a three-match suspension and a $100,000 fine for “unsporting behaviour.” At the same time, captain and defender Achraf Hakimi was handed a two-match ban.
Senegal were not spared either. The Senegal Football Federation (FSF), which accumulated fines totalling $615,000 for multiple infractions during the final, confirmed it would also appeal CAF’s decisions. Head coach Pape Thiaw was suspended for five matches, while players Iliman Ndiaye and Sarr each received two-match bans for “unsporting behaviour towards the referee.”
CAF noted that Senegal’s punishments stemmed from the “unsporting conduct of their players and technical staff in violation of the CAF disciplinary code principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity.” ”
What you should know
The AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal has become one of the most controversial in recent tournament history, with both federations now challenging CAF’s disciplinary rulings.
While Morocco argues the sanctions were excessive, Senegal also believes the penalties imposed on its players and officials were unjust.
The appeals could influence how CAF handles crowd control, VAR-related conduct, and on-field discipline in future continental competitions.
