BREAKING: Achraf Hakimi Suspended, Senegal Coach Banned as CAF Issues Sanctions After AFCON Final Chaos

The Confederation of African Football has handed down suspensions and fines following the chaotic 2025 AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco. Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has been suspended for five matches and fined $100,000 for ordering his team off the pitch in protest of a late penalty decision.

The Senegalese football federation was fined $615,000 for team and fan conduct, while players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr received two-game bans. Morocco’s federation was fined $315,000 for offenses including staff invading the VAR area and laser use by fans. CAF also suspended Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari for throwing the goalkeeper’s towel into the crowd.

Key Points:

The sanctions highlight CAF’s stance against conduct that undermines match integrity and officiating.
Significant financial penalties may impact the federations’ operational and developmental budgets.
Suspensions could affect team preparations and performance in upcoming qualifying matches.
The incident underscores persistent tensions around VAR and refereeing decisions in high-stakes matches.
CAF’s dismissal of Morocco’s appeal affirms the final result, upholding Senegal’s title victory.

The disciplinary actions aim to reinforce respect for match officials and procedures in African football.

Sources: CAF Disciplinary Committee Statement