The party is over, and the bill has arrived. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially handed down some of the most severe sanctions in tournament history following the explosive AFCON 2025 Final between Senegal and Morocco.
On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the CAF Disciplinary Board released a bombshell communique, slapping both nations with fines totaling over $1,000,000 and suspending several key stars and officials.
The Champions’ Heavy Price: Senegal’s Penalties
Despite lifting their second trophy, the Lions of Teranga are facing a massive hangover. CAF has held them accountable for the 20-minute walk-off protest and clashes with officials.
The Coach: Head Coach Pape Bouna Thiaw has been slapped with a five-match suspension and a personal fine of $100,000 for “bringing the game into disrepute.”
The Players: Stars Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr have both been suspended for two official CAF matches for their unsporting conduct toward the referee during the penalty drama.
The Federation (FSF): Fined a staggering $615,000. This includes $300,000 for supporter misconduct and another $300,000 for the team’s unsporting behavior.
The Host’s Nightmare: Morocco’s Sanctions.
The Atlas Lions didn’t escape the hammer either. CAF focused heavily on the “bizarre” incidents involving ball boys and interference with officials.
Achraf Hakimi: The Morocco captain and PSG star has been suspended for two official CAF matches (one match suspended for a one-year probationary period) for his conduct during the post-match heat.
Ismaël Saibari: The midfielder received a three-match ban and a $100,000 fine for his role in the “towel wars” and clashes with the Senegalese bench.
The Federation (FRMF): Fined $415,000. In a rare move, CAF fined Morocco $200,000 specifically for the “inappropriate behavior of the stadium ball boys” who tried to steal Edouard Mendy’s towels
The “Towel War” & The Panenka: What Happened?
For those who missed the wildest final in history on January 18:
The Towels: Throughout the match, Moroccan ball boys and staff repeatedly tried to snatch Edouard Mendy’s towels (used for grip in the rain). This led to physical scuffles on the side-lines.
The Walk-Off: Senegal players walked off the pitch for 20 minutes in protest after a controversial VAR penalty was awarded to Morocco in the 90th minute.
The Save: When they returned, Mendy saved Brahim Diaz’s “Panenka” attempt, leading to Senegal’s eventual 1-0 win in extra time.
Why This is Trending Hard
The “Title Strip” Rejection: CAF officially dismissed Morocco’s protest to have Senegal disqualified for the walk-off. The Lions of Teranga remain the official 2025 Champions.
Financial Shock: The fines are record-breaking. Never before has a ball boy’s actions cost a federation $200,000.
Coach-less Senegal: With a 5-match ban, Coach Pape Thiaw will miss a significant portion of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, leaving the champions in a tactical lurch.
“We want to send a clear message: the AFCON final is our showpiece. Passion is welcome; chaos is not. Integrity must be maintained.” — CAF Disciplinary Statement.
Summary:
Senegal (FSF)
5 CAF matches suspension
$100,000 fine (unsporting conduct) 2-match suspension (referee abuse) 2-match suspension (referee abuse) $300,000 – supporters’ misconduct $300,000 – players & technical staff misconduct $15,000 – team misconduct (5 cautions)
Morocco (FRMF) 2-match suspension (1 match suspended for 1 year) 3-match suspension $100,000 fine $200,000 – ball boys’ inappropriate behaviour $100,000 – players & staff invaded VAR area $15,000 – laser use by supporters
Protest