Morocco’s football federation has announced plans to appeal disciplinary sanctions and fines imposed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following the chaotic scenes that marred last month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Senegal.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was fined a total of $315,000 by CAF and handed player suspensions in the aftermath of the final, which was played on January 18. In a statement, the federation said it would lodge a formal appeal to “preserve all rights guaranteed by the regulations,” arguing that the sanctions were disproportionate to the incidents that occurred.
The AFCON final was overshadowed by controversy late in regulation time after a goal by Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr was disallowed for a foul on Morocco captain and 2025 African Player of the Year, Achraf Hakimi. Morocco were subsequently awarded a penalty after Brahim Diaz was fouled, a decision that triggered heated protests from the Senegalese team and supporters.
The match was delayed as tempers flared, with some Senegal supporters throwing projectiles and briefly invading the pitch before security personnel restored order. Diaz later missed the penalty, with his effort saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The game went into extra time, where Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal to secure Senegal’s second AFCON title.
CAF fined Morocco $200,000 for the “inappropriate behaviour of stadium ball boys,” while an additional $100,000 penalty was imposed for the “improper conduct” of players and technical staff who entered the VAR review area and obstructed the Congolese referee. Moroccan supporters were also fined $15,000 for using laser pointers to distract Senegalese players.
On the disciplinary front, Moroccan forward Ismael Saibari received a three-match ban and a $100,000 fine for “unsporting behaviour,” while Hakimi was suspended for two matches.
Senegal’s Football Federation (FSF) was also heavily sanctioned, receiving fines totalling $615,000 for various offences during the final. Head coach Pape Thiaw was handed a five-match ban, while players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each suspended for two matches for “unsporting behaviour towards the referee.”
The FSF has similarly indicated its intention to appeal the sanctions, which CAF said were imposed for conduct that violated disciplinary code principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity.
