CAF sanctions Morocco and Senegal after controversial AFCON final: media and fans erupt

The sanctions imposed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Senegal and Morocco following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final have sparked massive criticism in local media and on social media, with many calling the measures “unfair” to the Moroccan players, while the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has remained silent.

CAF rejected Morocco’s appeal to strip Senegal of the title but sanctioned coach Pape Thiaw with a five-match ban for encouraging his players to leave the field after a controversial penalty in stoppage time during the final in Rabat.

Key measures include:

- Achraf Hakimi: suspended two matches for “unsportsmanlike conduct.”

- Ismaël Sabari: three-match suspension and a $100,000 fine.

- FRMF: fined $315,000 for VAR zone invasion, misconduct by ball boys, and fan use of laser pointers.

Moroccan media criticized the verdict’s severity. Medias24 called it “disproportionate and unfair,” while Le360 highlighted the apparent leniency toward Senegal compared to Morocco.

On social media, Moroccan fans expressed outrage: “How can they punish Hakimi and Sabari? They were the ones who left the field!” many users questioned.

The conflict began when Senegalese players briefly left the field in protest, causing tension with fans and requiring security intervention. They eventually returned after mediation by Sadio Mané, and Senegal won in extra time with a goal by Pape Gueye, following a save by Edouard Mendy against Brahim Díaz’s “Panenka” penalty.

The episode left a highly tense atmosphere on social media between Moroccan and Senegalese supporters, marking this final as one of the most controversial in recent AFCON history.

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