2025 AFCON: CAF cuts Ismael Saibari ban, scraps $100,000 fine over ‘towel incident’

The CAF Appeals Board has significantly reduced the disciplinary sanctions previously imposed on Moroccan midfielder Ismael Saibari following the chaotic events of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal.

In a ruling released on Wednesday, the board slashed Saibari’s match suspension and completely overturned a massive six-figure financial penalty, marking a major legal victory for the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).

The controversy stemmed from what has been dubbed the “towel incident” during the final in Casablanca. Saibari was initially accused of unsporting behavior for allegedly tampering with the Senegal goalkeeper’s towel, which was believed to contain “juju” or tactical notes.

The incident sparked a massive bench-clearing brawl and contributed to the volatile atmosphere that eventually saw the Senegalese team walk off the pitch in protest.

CAF’s Disciplinary Board had originally handed the PSV Eindhoven star a three-match ban and a personal fine of $100,000, citing a breach of fair play and provocation.

However, the Appeals Board took a more lenient stance after reviewing footage and the FRMF’s defense. The board ruled that while Saibari’s actions were provocative, they did not warrant the severity of the initial punishment.

His three-match ban has been reduced to two matches, with one of those matches being suspended for a probationary period. Most notably, the $100,000 fine—a record for an individual player in African football—was set aside entirely, with the board citing a lack of precedent for such a heavy financial levy on a single athlete for a non-violent gesture.

The reduction of Saibari’s sanction is part of a broader, sweeping set of decisions that have fundamentally altered the outcome of the tournament. In the same sitting, the Appeals Board upheld the decision to strip Senegal of the AFCON title, confirming Morocco as the official winners after the Lions of Teranga forfeited the final.

While Morocco still faces several fines related to the conduct of ball boys and laser usage by fans, most of these penalties were also reduced upon appeal.

The FRMF welcomed the decision, stating that the “correction” of Saibari’s sanctions restores a sense of proportionality to the events of the final.