Disciplinary Fallout Follows Chaotic Africa Cup of Nations Final

Key Takeaways:

• Pape Thiaw received a five-match ban and a $100,000 fine for ordering Senegal off the pitch in the final against Morocco in Rabat
• The Senegalese Football Federation was fined $615,000, while players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr were handed two-match suspensions
• Morocco incurred $315,000 in fines, with captain Achraf Hakimi suspended for two matches and Ismael Saibari for three following unsportsmanlike conduct

CAF Issues Stringent Punishments After Final Showdown

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a series of penalties following the tumultuous conclusion of the Africa Cup of Nations final held in Rabat. Senegal’s head coach, Pape Thiaw, has been banned for five matches and fined $100,000. This discipline is a direct response to Thiaw instructing his squad to leave the pitch at the end of the match, an action considered “unsportsmanlike conduct.” Senegal ultimately secured a 1–0 victory over Morocco after extra time.

The Senegalese Football Federation faced a fine of $615,000 due to the conduct of the team and its supporters. Additionally, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr were suspended for two matches each, also for unsportsmanlike behaviour towards the referee. Despite Morocco’s request for CAF to overturn the match result after the pitch walk-off, leading to a significant 14-minute interruption, the CAF Disciplinary Committee dismissed this appeal and allowed Senegal’s victory to stand.

🚨 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟: The sanctions following the Morocco–Senegal AFCON final have been announced: ❌🇲🇦🇸🇳

🇸🇳 Senegal:

🟥💰 5-MATCH SUSPENSION for Pape Thiaw + $100,000 fine

🟥 2-MATCH SUSPENSION for Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr

💰 $615,000 fine for the Senegalese FA

🇲🇦… pic.twitter.com/mPhRTTqIWh

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 29, 2026

Morocco Penalised for Fan and Staff Behaviour

In addition to the sanctions handed out to Senegal, host nation Morocco was also heavily penalised. CAF fined Morocco a cumulative $315,000 for incidents involving ball boys, their players’ and staff’s conduct in the VAR area, as well as the use of laser pointers by fans. Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi collected a two-match suspension, one of which is a one-year suspended ban, while Ismael Saibari was issued a three-match suspension following an attempt to seize goalkeeper Edouard Mendy’s towel during the match, played in persistent rain in Rabat.

Controversial Match Incidents and Final Outcome

The final descended into chaos when Thiaw ordered Senegal’s players from the field following the disallowance of a goal. Subsequently, a penalty was awarded to Morocco, but Brahim Diaz failed to convert. Regular time concluded at 0–0, before Pape Gueye netted the decisive goal in extra time to secure Senegal’s triumph. Despite the disorderly scenes, which blemished the tournament’s finale, the Africa Cup of Nations was otherwise hailed as a major success, generating record revenue for CAF.