AFCON: CAF Suspends Thiaw, Hakimi, Other Players, Fines Senegal And Morocco

The Confederation of African Football (CAF)  has handed Senegal coach Pape Thiaw a five-match suspension following the disorder that marred the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Morocco.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the CAF said Thiaw was punished for unsporting conduct and actions that damaged the image of the game during the final played in Rabat on January 18, 2026, which Senegal won 1-0 after extra time.

Two Senegal players, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, also received two-match bans each for “unsporting behaviour towards the referee”.

Senegal’s football federation was hit with heavy financial penalties, receiving fines that add up to $615,000.

CAF said the sanctions were linked to the “unsporting conduct of their players and technical staff in violation of the CAF disciplinary code principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity”.

On the Moroccan side, forward Ismael Saibari was banned for three matches and fined $100,000 for unsporting behaviour.

Team captain Achraf Hakimi was also punished with a two-match suspension.

Morocco’s football federation was ordered to pay $200,000 for the “inappropriate behaviour of the stadium ball boys”.

CAF added another $100,000 fine after players and team officials entered the VAR area and interfered with the referee’s duties.

A further $15,000 penalty was issued after Moroccan fans used laser pointers to distract Senegal players, bringing Morocco’s total fine to $315,000.

The AFCON final descended into controversy late in normal time when a goal by Ismaila Sarr was ruled out after a foul was given against Hakimi.

Moments later, Morocco were awarded a penalty following a challenge on Brahim Diaz, which led to angry reactions from the Senegal bench and players.

TV coverage showed Thiaw making gestures toward his players, which many took as an instruction to leave the pitch.

Most of the Senegal team headed down the tunnel, although Sadio Mane stayed behind and later convinced his teammates to return so the match could continue.

After a long delay, Diaz took the penalty, but his weak effort was saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

The game then moved into extra time, where Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal to secure Senegal’s second AFCON title.

During the stoppage, some Senegal supporters threw objects onto the pitch, while others briefly entered the field before security officers restored order.

CAF clarified that all suspensions apply only to CAF competitions. They will not affect Senegal or Morocco’s plans for the 2026 World Cup.

Senegal have been drawn in Group I alongside France, Norway, and the winner of an intercontinental playoff involving Bolivia, Suriname, and Iraq.

Morocco, who made history by reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2022, are in Group C with Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti.

Thiaw will be absent from the touchline for five of Senegal’s six AFCON qualifying matches for the 2027 tournament, scheduled for September, October, and November. The suspended players will miss the opening two qualifiers.

KanyiDaily recalls that FIFA President Gianni Infantino also criticized some Senegal players for their behaviour during the AFCON final, saying the incident spoiled their win.