The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed down fresh disciplinary sanctions against Morocco following the explosive scenes that overshadowed the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 final.
In a ruling released by CAF’s Disciplinary Board, Morocco’s football governing body, the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), has been hit with a combined $450,000 fine, while two key Atlas Lions players — Achraf Hakimi and Ismaël Saibari — have received match bans for what CAF described as unsporting conduct.
Heated AFCON Final Ends in Disorder
The AFCON final between hosts Morocco and Senegal was one of the most dramatic in tournament history, featuring prolonged stoppages, protests, and chaotic scenes involving players, officials and supporters.
The match was already tense following Senegal’s second-half boycott over officiating concerns, but tempers flared even further in the closing stages and after the final whistle.
One of the most talked-about incidents involved Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi, who was caught in a moment of controversy after he allegedly threw away the Senegal goalkeeper’s towel, an action widely condemned as provocative and unsporting amid an already volatile atmosphere.
CAF’s Disciplinary Board has now confirmed that Hakimi’s conduct formed part of the incidents reviewed during their investigation.
Hakimi Handed Two-Match Ban
CAF announced that Hakimi has been suspended for two (2) official CAF matches, but with a significant caveat.
According to the ruling:
• Hakimi will serve one match immediately
• while the second match is suspended for one year, meaning it will only be enforced if he commits another similar offence within that period.
The decision was issued on the grounds of unsporting behaviour.
Saibari Hit Harder: Three-Match Ban + $100,000 Fine
Morocco midfielder Ismaël Saibari received a tougher punishment, with CAF banning him for three (3) official CAF matches.
In addition, Saibari was also fined $100,000, underlining CAF’s stance that his actions during the final were severe enough to warrant both sporting and financial consequences.
Morocco FA Fined Over Ball Boys, Lasers and VAR Area Invasion
CAF also directed strong sanctions at the FRMF for multiple offences connected to matchday conduct.
The Moroccan FA has been fined:
• $200,000 for the inappropriate behaviour of the stadium’s ball boys
• $100,000 for the improper conduct of Morocco’s players and technical staff, who invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee’s work — a violation CAF says goes against the principles of fair play and integrity (Articles 82 and 83 of the CAF Disciplinary Code)
• $15,000 for the use of lasers by supporters during the match
These fines total $315,000, excluding the sanctions against individual players.
CAF Rejects Morocco Protest Against Senegal
In another key outcome, CAF confirmed that the Disciplinary Board rejected the protest filed by Morocco, which alleged that Senegal violated Articles 82 and 84 of AFCON regulations.
CAF stated that the complaint by FRMF against the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) relating to the final was not upheld.
CAF Sends Strong Warning
With sanctions now imposed on both finalists, CAF’s disciplinary actions appear to send a clear message: regardless of the match stakes or emotions involved, conduct that damages the image of African football will face serious consequences.
The bans and fines mean both Morocco and Senegal will head into their next CAF competitions under scrutiny — with Hakimi and Saibari’s suspensions likely to impact Morocco’s squad planning for upcoming qualifiers.
