Senegal could face new scrutiny over 2025 AFCON final chaos

A fresh development has emerged in the fallout from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, where Morocco fell to Senegal’s Lions of Teranga.

The match, overshadowed by several on-field incidents, led the Confederation of African Football (CAF) disciplinary committee to hand down multiple sanctions to both teams.

Senegalese players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr received two-match suspensions after temporarily leaving the field, while coach Pape Thiaw was handed a five-match ban.

On Morocco’s side, Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari were suspended for one and three matches, respectively, over the now-infamous towel incident.

The Senegalese Football Federation was also fined more than €603,000, largely due to a pitch invasion attempt by fans and the team’s temporary withdrawal.

Overall, the combined fines for both federations exceeded $1 million, with Senegal responsible for nearly two-thirds of the total.

While Senegal accepted CAF’s decision and chose not to appeal, the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) immediately contested the ruling, criticising the penalties as too lenient and seeking harsher sanctions for Senegal or even a default victory.

According to reports, CAF has accepted Morocco’s appeal, meaning the case will be reviewed from scratch. A new disciplinary hearing is expected, during which both federations will have the opportunity to present arguments and submit additional evidence.

If confirmed, this reopening could significantly alter the original sanctions. Observers suggest that Senegal, in particular, faces the greatest risk of harsher penalties, with CAF President Patrice Motsepe reportedly viewing the initial sanctions as too light.