The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially dismissed Morocco’s protest against the outcome of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final, thereby confirming Senegal as champions of the tournament.
The decision was announced by CAF’s Disciplinary Board following investigations into incidents that occurred during and after the final, which were found to be in violation of the CAF Disciplinary Code and AFCON regulations. While CAF ruled that misconduct took place on both sides, the body maintained that the offences were not sufficient to overturn the match result.
As a result, Senegal retain the title, but both the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) and the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), along with several players and officials, have been handed significant fines and suspensions.
Senegal Hit With Fines and Coaching, Player Bans
CAF imposed strict penalties on Senegal following findings of unsporting conduct by players, officials and supporters.
Head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw has been suspended for five official CAF matches and fined $100,000 for behaviour considered to have damaged the image of the game and breached principles of fair play and integrity.
Two players, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, were also suspended for two CAF matches each after being found guilty of unsporting conduct towards the referee during the final.
Financially, the Senegalese federation was fined a total of $615,000, including:
- $300,000 for improper conduct by supporters,
- $300,000 for unsporting behaviour by players and technical staff, and
- $15,000 for team misconduct after five players received yellow cards in the match.
Morocco Also Penalised After Post-Match Incidents
CAF also sanctioned Morocco for several breaches linked to behaviour around the match environment and technical area.
Captain Achraf Hakimi received a two-match CAF suspension, although one match has been suspended for a period of one year, meaning it will only be enforced if another offence is committed within that time.
Midfielder Ismaël Saibari was handed a three-match suspension and fined $100,000 for unsporting behaviour.
The Moroccan federation was further fined $315,000, made up of:
- $200,000 for inappropriate behaviour by stadium ball boys,
- $100,000 for players and officials invading the VAR review area and interfering with the referee, and
- $15,000 for the use of laser devices by supporters.
CAF Dismisses Morocco’s Formal Complaint
In addition to the disciplinary rulings, CAF confirmed that it had rejected the formal protest filed by Morocco, which accused Senegal of violating Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations during the final.
After reviewing referee reports, match footage and official submissions, the Disciplinary Board concluded that no regulatory breach occurred that would justify altering the result of the match.
Final Verdict on a Controversial AFCON Final
CAF’s ruling brings closure to the controversy that followed the AFCON 2025 final, reinforcing the governing body’s position that disciplinary sanctions do not automatically affect match outcomes unless serious regulatory violations are proven.
With the protest thrown out and penalties confirmed, Senegal remain the official champions of AFCON 2025, while both nations will now turn their attention to upcoming CAF competitions, where the suspensions will take effect.
