The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed down heavy sanctions following the chaotic scenes that marred the aftermath of the AFCON final, with players, coaches, and football associations facing suspensions and substantial fines.
Senegal head coach Papa Thiaw has been handed a five-match ban from CAF competitions and fined $100,000 after leading his team off the pitch following the controversial final whistle.
CAF also punished Senegalese internationals Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr, handing each player a two-match suspension in CAF competitions for unsporting behaviour towards match officials.
In total, Senegal were fined $615,000, broken down as follows:
$300,000 for improper conduct by supporters
$300,000 for unsporting behaviour by players and technical staff
$15,000 for team disciplinary misconduct after accumulating five yellow cards
CAF described the sanctions as necessary to protect the integrity of its competitions and uphold respect for match officials.
Morocco were not spared, with CAF imposing a series of sanctions related to incidents involving players and matchday conduct.
Achraf Hakimi received a two-match ban from all CAF competitions for what CAF described as “towel-related misconduct” directed at match officials.
Midfielder Ismael Saibari was handed a three-match suspension and fined $100,000 for a similar offence.
The Morocco Football Federation (FRMF) was also fined a total of $315,000, including:
$200,000 for ball boys’ unsporting conduct involving towels
$100,000 for unsporting behaviour by players and officials
$15,000 for the use of laser pointers by supporters
CAF’s disciplinary committee stated that the sanctions are meant to send a strong message across African football that misconduct — both on and off the pitch — will not be tolerated, especially during high-profile competitions such as the Africa Cup of Nations.
The decisions have sparked debate across the continent, with many calling for consistency in officiating, while others argue the punishments were necessary to maintain discipline and respect in the game.
