Senegal, Morocco federations, footballers fined over $1 million for violating CAF rules on fair play, integrity

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has handed down punishments to Senegal and Morocco for breaking CAF rules on fair play, integrity and respect for match officials, following a series of incidents during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final.

According to a statement issued on CAF website on Wednesday, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw received a five-match suspension from official CAF competitions and a USD 100,000 fine for unsporting conduct that CAF said brought the game into disrepute.

Additionally, Two Senegalese players, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, were each suspended for two matches for unsporting behaviour towards the referee.

“To suspend the Senegalese National Team player, Mr Iliman Cheikh Baroy …and … Mr Ismaila Sarr for two (2) official CAF matches for his unsporting behaviour towards the referee,” as written in the statement.

The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) was fined a total of USD 615,000, including penalties for the improper conduct of supporters, unsporting behaviour by players and technical staff, and misconduct after five players received cautions.

Meanwhile, The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) was fined USD 315,000 for several incidents, including inappropriate behaviour by ball boys, the invasion of the VAR review area by players and officials, and the use of lasers by supporters.

“To fine the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) USD 15,000 for the use of lasers by its supporters during the aforementioned match,” CAF mentioned.

Further, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi was banned for two CAF matches, with one suspended for a year, while Ismaël Saibari received a three-match ban and a USD 100,000 fine for unsporting behaviour.

CAF also rejected a protest lodged by the FRMF against Senegal, ruling that there was no breach of Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations.

Article 82 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations states that, “if a team withdraws from the competition, fails to show up, refuses to play, or leaves the field before the match is over without the referee’s permission, it is considered the loser and eliminated from the competition.”

While, “Article 84 states that a team that breaks Articles 82 or 83 will be eliminated from the competition and will lose the match 3-0 (unless the opponent had a better score at the time the game was stopped, in which case that score stands).”

CAF said the sanctions reflect its firm stance on protecting fair play, integrity, and respect for match officials at its competitions.

Contributed by Emmanuel Lungu

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