The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed down heavy sanctions following a turbulent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Senegal and Morocco, played on January 18, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
In a statement released on Wednesday, CAF announced a five-match ban for Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw, citing “unsporting conduct” and actions that “brought the game into disrepute” during the final, which Senegal won 1–0 after extra time.
Two Senegalese forwards, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, were also suspended for two matches each for “unsporting behaviour towards the referee.” Both players ply their trade in the English Premier League.
The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) was fined a total of $615,000 for various breaches of CAF disciplinary regulations. According to CAF, the penalties stemmed from the unsporting conduct of Senegalese players and technical staff, violations of fair play principles, and other incidents during the match.
On the Moroccan side, forward Ismael Saibari received a three-match ban and a $100,000 fine for unsporting behaviour, while captain and defender Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two matches. CAF also cited the inappropriate conduct of stadium ball boys as part of the infractions.
An additional $100,000 fine was imposed for improper conduct after players and technical staff invaded the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review area, obstructing the work of the Congolese match official. Moroccan supporters were further sanctioned with a $15,000 fine for using laser pointers to distract Senegalese players, bringing Morocco’s total fine to $315,000.
The final was marred by controversy late in regulation time when a goal by Ismaila Sarr was ruled out for a foul on Hakimi, the 2025 African Player of the Year. Tensions escalated when Morocco were later awarded a penalty following a foul on Brahim Diaz, prompting furious protests from the Senegalese bench and players.
Television footage showed coach Thiaw gesturing toward his players in a manner widely interpreted as instructing them to leave the pitch. Several Senegal players briefly walked off to the dressing room before captain Sadio Mané intervened and persuaded his teammates to return, allowing the match to continue.
The delayed penalty was ultimately missed, with Diaz’s weak effort 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, some Senegalese supporters threw objects onto the pitch, while others briefly invaded the field before security personnel restored order.
CAF clarified that all suspensions apply only to CAF competitions and will not affect Senegal’s or Morocco’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Senegal have been drawn in Group I alongside France, Norway and the winners of an intercontinental playoff involving Bolivia, Suriname and Iraq. Morocco, who made history by reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, will compete in Group C with Brazil, Scotland and Haiti.
As a result of the sanctions, Thiaw will be barred from the dugout for five of Senegal’s six 2027 AFCON qualifying matches scheduled for September, October and November, while the affected players will miss the first two qualifiers.
