Senegal has said it is prepared to defend itself against any disciplinary action after Morocco lodged a formal complaint following the dramatic and controversial final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat.
The aftermath of the January 18 final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium continues to reverberate beyond Senegal’s 1-0 extra-time victory, with the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) reporting incidents that occurred during the closing stages of the match.
As a result, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) now faces potential sanctions from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), with FIFA also monitoring the situation.
According to reports, Senegal could be fined up to $300,000, while head coach Pape Thiaw risks a suspension of as many as four matches.
The proposed punishment is linked to his decision to instruct his players to leave the pitch in protest after a late penalty was awarded to Morocco, moments after a Senegalese goal had been ruled out.
Some sources have gone further, suggesting the possibility of far-reaching consequences, including exclusion from the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
However, Senegalese officials have played down such speculation and insisted they remain calm and confident as the process unfolds.
Speaking on Monday evening at Dakar Blaise Diagne Airport, where the newly crowned African champions were welcomed home, FSF president Abdoulaye Fall struck a measured tone in an interview with APS Senegal.
“We are waiting to see what CAF decides and we will take the necessary measures. There is no problem at that level. We are used to these kinds of situations; even during the AFCON, we already had proceedings before the disciplinary committee. We were accused of some of our supporters using flares. Which, in my opinion, is part of football. In any case, we will be there and we will deal with it. We are ready, and it is the role of a leader to manage this kind of situation.”
#CAN2025 : Le président de la Fédération sénégalaise de football a réagi aux menaces de sanctions brandies par la Confédération africaine de football.
Selon Abdoulaye Fall, il n’y a aucune inquiétude à se faire.
Il estime que le Sénégal dispose d’arguments solides pour… pic.twitter.com/OMA64AN7QE
— A.P.S – Sénégal (@APS_Senegal) January 20, 2026
The same message was echoed by FSF secretary general Abdoulaye Seydou Sow, who underlined Senegal’s readiness to respond formally to the complaint.
“We are ready to respond to any potential complaint from Morocco,” he said.
The final itself was marked by extraordinary scenes. After a penalty was awarded against Senegal deep into stoppage time, Pape Thiaw initially urged his players to boycott the remainder of the match.
The situation escalated into confusion and delays, before the team returned to the pitch around 15 minutes later, encouraged by captain Sadio Mané.
Morocco failed to capitalise as Brahim Díaz missed the penalty, and Senegal ultimately secured the title in extra time through Pape Gueye’s decisive strike.
While the celebrations in Dakar continue, attention now turns to the disciplinary process, with Senegal insisting it will face any outcome with composure and resolve.
