The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has delivered a sweeping disciplinary verdict that has sent shockwaves through African football, imposing heavy fines, suspensions, and bans on both Morocco and Senegal following disciplinary breaches during a high-profile continental encounter.
In a decision released by the CAF Disciplinary Committee, appeals filed by Morocco were rejected in full, while multiple players, officials, supporters, and team officials from both countries were sanctioned for misconduct deemed damaging to the image and integrity of the game.
Morocco Hit With Fines and Player Suspensions
CAF handed down a series of penalties against the Moroccan camp, with particular focus on what it described as repeated acts of unsportsmanlike behaviour during the match.
Among the most notable sanctions:
- A $200,000 fine was imposed on Morocco over misconduct involving ball boys, widely referred to online as the “towel incident.”
- Midfielder Ismael Saibari was fined $100,000 and handed a three-match suspension for his role in the incident.
- Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi received a two-match ban for towel-related misconduct and unsportsmanlike behaviour.
- An additional $100,000 fine was imposed on Moroccan players for improper conduct and harassment of match officials.
- CAF also fined Morocco $15,000 for supporters’ use of laser devices inside the stadium.
The disciplinary body ruled that the actions violated CAF’s code of conduct and constituted behaviour capable of undermining fair play and respect for match officials.
Senegal Also Penalised Over Match Fallout
Senegal, despite emerging victorious on the pitch, was not spared by CAF’s disciplinary process.
Sanctions against the Senegalese camp include:
- A $300,000 fine for supporter misconduct during the match.
- Another $300,000 fine for walking out actions deemed disruptive to competition protocols.
- A $15,000 fine for accumulating five yellow cards in a single match.
- Head coach Pape Thiaw was fined $100,000 and suspended for five matches for conduct judged to have brought the game into disrepute.
- Players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each handed two-match suspensions for actions directed toward match officials.
CAF said the sanctions were necessary to reinforce discipline and protect referees from intimidation and abuse.
Morocco’s Appeal Rejected, Senegal Retains Title
In one of the most closely watched aspects of the case, CAF rejected Morocco’s appeal seeking to strip Senegal of the title. The governing body ruled that there were no sporting or legal grounds to overturn the result of the match.
This decision effectively closes the chapter on one of the most contentious fixtures in recent African football history, confirming Senegal as the rightful champions.
CAF also clarified that no sanctions were imposed on Brahim Diaz over his missed Panenka penalty attempt, dismissing calls for disciplinary action as unfounded.
Why This Matters in African Football
The ruling represents one of CAF’s most comprehensive disciplinary actions in recent years and sends a strong signal ahead of future continental competitions.
Key implications include:
- Zero tolerance for referee harassment: CAF made it clear that intimidation of match officials will attract severe punishment.
- Player accountability: Even star players and captains are not exempt from sanctions.
- Supporter behaviour under scrutiny: Fan misconduct continues to draw financial penalties with reputational consequences.
- Finality of results: CAF’s rejection of Morocco’s appeal reinforces respect for match outcomes once disciplinary processes are concluded.
What Happens Next
The suspensions will take effect immediately, ruling out affected players and officials from upcoming CAF-sanctioned matches. Both football federations are expected to comply fully with the rulings, while clubs employing sanctioned players may also feel the impact.
For African football, the decision marks a clear attempt by CAF to restore order, discipline, and respect—both on and off the pitch.
