Senegal and Morocco are expected to learn on Tuesday the outcome of sanctions from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over incidents that overshadowed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
The CAF Disciplinary Committee has been reviewing disturbances that occurred during the final between Senegal and Morocco on 18 January, a match that ended 1-0 after extra time in favour of Senegal.
Sources close to the matter, cited by Le360 Sport, indicate that the committee is poised to issue its verdict following a 48-hour delay requested by the Senegalese Football Federation to prepare its defense.
Ousmane Kane, the original chair of the disciplinary panel, was recused from the case due to potential conflicts of interest, as his home country had a direct connection to the events under review.
This measure follows CAF’s standard protocol for maintaining impartiality in sensitive decisions.
The potential sanctions being considered are wide-ranging. While a financial penalty of $300,000 appears probable, heavier consequences are not ruled out.
The Senegalese national team could face individual sanctions, with particular scrutiny on head coach Pape Thiaw, and in extreme scenarios, the African champions might risk forfeiture of the title or suspension from the next two editions of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Moroccan officials have reportedly suggested some of these more severe measures, though their likelihood is uncertain.
The timing of the decision could be affected by diplomatic engagements, including the current visit of the Senegalese Prime Minister to Rabat.
🇲🇦-🇸🇳I Le Chef du Gouvernement, M. Aziz Akhannouch, et le Premier Ministre de la République du Sénégal, M. Ousmane Sonko, co-président, ce jour à Rabat, les travaux de la 15 ème Grande Commission mixte de coopération Maroc-Sénégal@ChefGov_ma @SonkoOfficiel pic.twitter.com/dZAwC1jRgX
— Maroc Diplomatie 🇲🇦 (@MarocDiplomatie) January 26, 2026
Despite prior statements condemning the incidents, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has also called for fair and measured sanctions, underscoring the need for CAF to balance accountability with the integrity of the competition.
CAF’s ruling is expected to bring clarity after weeks of speculation and controversy surrounding the final, which has drawn widespread attention across African football.
Both federations and supporters await the disciplinary committee’s decision, which could have lasting implications for the tournament and the teams involved.
