CAF Punishes Senegal, Morocco Following AFCON Final Incident

CAF Punishes Senegal, Morocco Following AFCON Final Incidents

Agboola Victor January 29, 2026 1 minute read

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has banned Senegal coach Pape Thiaw for five matches following chaotic scenes during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Morocco in Rabat.

CAF said Thiaw was guilty of unsporting conduct and bringing the game into disrepute during the January 18 final, which Senegal won 1–0 after extra time. Senegalese players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were also banned for two matches each for unsporting behaviour towards the referee.

The Senegal Football Federation was fined a total of $615,000 for misconduct by players and technical staff, including protests, pitch invasion, and violations of fair play rules.

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Morocco were also sanctioned. Forward Ismael Saibari received a three-match ban and a $100,000 fine, while captain Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two matches. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation was fined $315,000 for stadium misconduct, including interference by ball boys, crowd use of lasers, and obstruction of VAR officials.

CAF said the bans apply only to CAF competitions and will not affect Senegal or Morocco’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.