CAF suspends Coach Thiaw, Hakimi; fines Senegal, Morocco over AFCON final chaos

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has been handed a five-match ban by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following incidents during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Morocco in Rabat on January 18.

CAF said Thiaw was found guilty of “unsporting conduct” and “bringing the game into disrepute” during the match, which Senegal won 1–0 after extra time.

Senegalese forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were also suspended for two matches each for “unsporting behaviour towards the referee.”

The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) was fined a total of $615,000 for various violations, including the conduct of players and technical staff, which CAF said breached principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity.

On the Moroccan side, forward Ismael Saibari received a three-match ban and a $100,000 fine for unsporting behaviour, while captain Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two matches. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was fined $200,000 over the behaviour of stadium ball boys.

CAF also imposed an additional $100,000 fine on Morocco for improper conduct after players and officials invaded the VAR review area, as well as a $15,000 fine for supporters’ use of lasers to distract Senegalese players, bringing Morocco’s total fine to $315,000.

The final was marred by controversy after a late Ismaila Sarr goal was disallowed and Morocco were awarded a penalty, sparking protests from the Senegal camp.

Senegal players briefly left the pitch before returning to continue the match. Morocco missed the penalty, and Senegal went on to secure victory in extra time through a Pape Gueye goal.

The sanctions apply only to CAF competitions and will not affect Senegal or Morocco’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Thiaw will miss five of Senegal’s six AFCON qualifying matches for the 2027 tournament, while the suspended players will sit out the opening qualifiers.