AFCON Final Turmoil: CAF Bans Hakimi, Thiaw, Slaps Heavy Fines on Senegal, Morocco

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has been handed a five-match ban by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following the chaotic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Morocco earlier this month.
CAF announced on Wednesday that Thiaw was found guilty of “unsporting conduct” and “bringing the game into disrepute” during the dramatic final played in Rabat on January 18, a match Senegal won 1–0 after extra time.

In the same ruling, Senegalese forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, both based in the English Premier League, were suspended for two matches each for “unsporting behaviour towards the referee.”
The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) was also fined a total of $615,000 for multiple violations during the final. According to CAF, the sanctions covered “unsporting conduct by players and technical staff,” which breached the organisation’s disciplinary code on fair play, loyalty and integrity.
On the Moroccan side, forward Ismael Saibari received a three-match suspension and a $100,000 fine for unsporting conduct. Team captain and defender Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two matches.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was fined $200,000 over the “inappropriate behaviour of stadium ball boys.” An additional $100,000 fine was imposed for improper conduct after players and technical officials invaded the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review area and disrupted the Congolese match official.
CAF further fined Morocco $15,000 after supporters were found guilty of using laser devices to distract Senegalese players, bringing Morocco’s total fine to $315,000.
The AFCON final descended into controversy late in regulation time when a goal by Ismaila Sarr was ruled out for a foul on Hakimi, the 2025 African Player of the Year. Moments later, Morocco were awarded a penalty after Brahim Diaz was fouled, triggering heated protests from the Senegalese bench and players.
Television footage showed coach Thiaw gesturing toward his players, widely interpreted as an instruction to walk off the pitch. Most of the Senegal team headed for the dressing room, but star forward Sadio Mane remained on the field and later convinced his teammates to return so the match could continue.
Morocco eventually took the delayed penalty, but Diaz’s weak effort was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The match proceeded into extra time, where Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal to secure Senegal’s second AFCON title.
During the stoppage caused by the disputed penalty, some fans wearing Senegal colours threw objects onto the pitch, while others briefly invaded the field before security personnel restored order.
CAF clarified that all suspensions apply only to its competitions and will not affect Senegal’s or Morocco’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Senegal have been drawn in Group I alongside France, Norway and the winners of the intercontinental playoffs involving Bolivia, Suriname and Iraq. Morocco, who made history at the 2022 World Cup by reaching the semi-finals, will compete in Group C against Brazil, Scotland and Haiti.
As a result of the ruling, Thiaw will be barred from the technical area for five of Senegal’s six AFCON 2027 qualifying matches scheduled for September, October and November, while the sanctioned players will miss the first two qualifiers.