CAF has taken a decisive step to safeguard the integrity of its disciplinary process by recusing Senegalese official Ousmane Kane, chairman of the Confederation’s Disciplinary Committee, from all deliberations related to the chaotic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.
The move underlines the sensitivity of a case that has quickly become one of the most contentious in the tournament’s modern history.
The final, staged in Rabat last Sunday, ended with Senegal claiming a second continental title, but the match was overshadowed by prolonged stoppages, heated protests and scenes of disorder that drew widespread criticism across Africa and beyond.
With emotions still running high, CAF has opted to remove any perception of conflict of interest by temporarily standing Kane aside due to his national affiliation with one of the parties involved.
According to Egyptian journalist Mohamed Said, who is regarded as well connected within CAF circles, responsibility for overseeing the case has been transferred to Kane’s Kenyan deputy, Jean Onyango.
Given the gravity of the situation, CAF is also considering expanding the panel handling the file by including additional members of the Disciplinary Committee from across the continent, ensuring a broader and more balanced representation in the decision-making process.
The investigation is expected to scrutinise every aspect of the final, from events on the pitch to incidents in the stands. Particular attention will be paid to the moments following the controversial refereeing decision that triggered strong reactions from the Senegalese bench, including the temporary withdrawal of players led by head coach Pape Thiaw and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, as well as reported acts of violence and unrest inside the stadium.
CAF’s disciplinary panel will base its assessment primarily on official documentation. These include the match report filed by Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, the report of Egyptian match commissioner Ahmed Megahed, and detailed accounts from security coordinators Imad Eddine Mahmoudi of Algeria and Serindra Riaka of Madagascar. Video evidence is also expected to play a crucial role in corroborating those reports.
Mohamed Said has indicated that a swift resolution is unlikely, given the complexity of the case and the number of stakeholders involved.
