AFCON Final Hangover: Morocco Push Back Against CAF Punishments

Morocco’s football federation (FRMF) has confirmed it will appeal CAF’s disciplinary rulings stemming from last month’s chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final, arguing the punishments handed out were excessive and unfair.

BREAKING: Morocco will appeal Senegal’s $715,000 fines and sanctions after their chaotic AFCON final.

Moroccan federation says they don’t match the “gravity and seriousness” of their infractions. Senegal won’t appeal CAF Disciplinary Board sanctions pic.twitter.com/oSqnOv84B2

— Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) February 3, 2026

The January 18 final, won 1-0 by Senegal after extra time, descended into disorder after a disallowed Senegal goal late in regulation sparked a 14-minute stoppage.

Senegal’s players walked off in protest, fans invaded

the pitch and tempers flared between players, staff and officials.

CAF’s Disciplinary Committee came down hard. Senegal coach Pape Thiaw received a five-match ban and a $100,000 fine for ordering his team off the field. Senegal’s federation was fined $615,000 for the conduct of players and supporters, while Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each banned for two matches for unsporting behaviour towards the referee.

Morocco were not spared. Their appeal to overturn the result was rejected, and CAF fined the hosts $315,000 for what it described as misconduct by players, officials and fans. The charges included the use of laser pointers and interference near the VAR area.

Captain Achraf Hakimi was handed a two-match ban — with one match suspended for a year — while Ismael Saibari received a three-game suspension. Both were punished for attempting to remove Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy’s towel during heavy rain.

In a strongly worded statement, the FRMF said it would appeal “to safeguard all rights guaranteed by law,” pointing specifically to Senegal’s walk-off and the behaviour of their supporters as central to the dispute.

CAF, meanwhile, has played down the fallout, insisting the tournament was a commercial success and delivered record revenues — even as the final ended in controversy rather than celebration for the hosts.

(with Reuters inputs)