The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued sanctions against both Senegal and Morocco following the chaotic ending to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final played on January 18.

CAF’s disciplinary committee rejected a protest filed by Morocco, which had sought to have Senegal stripped of the title. Morocco argued that Senegal violated Articles 82 and 84 of CAF regulations by leaving the pitch without the referee’s authorization and that the match should have been abandoned with Senegal declared losers.

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Despite dismissing the protest, the committee imposed heavy penalties on both teams, citing misconduct on and off the pitch.

Senegal received the harsher punishment after their players walked off the field in protest and clashes broke out between supporters and police in the stands.

Head coach Pape Thiaw was banned for five matches and fined USD 100,000 after he instructed his players to leave the pitch. Players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr were each handed two-match bans for unsporting behavior towards the referee.

The Senegalese Football Federation was fined a total of USD 615,000 for multiple violations. This included USD 300,000 for improper conduct by supporters, USD 300,000 for the unsporting behavior of players and technical staff, and USD 15,000 after five players were cautioned during the match.

Morocco were also sanctioned. Achraf Hakimi received a two-match ban, with one match suspended, while Ismail Saibari was banned for three matches and fined USD 100,000 for unsporting behavior.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation was fined USD 315,000. The penalties included USD 200,000 for inappropriate conduct by ball boys, USD 100,000 for players and technical staff invading the VAR review area and obstructing the referee, and USD 15,000 for supporters’ use of lasers.

CAF said the sanctions were imposed to uphold principles of fair play, integrity and respect for match officials following one of the most disorderly finals in the tournament’s history.