Disciplinary action has been taken against both Senegal and Morocco following unsporting conduct that overshadowed the Africa Cup of Nations final, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) imposing heavy fines and suspensions on the two football powerhouses.
CAF announced that the sanctions stem from chaotic scenes during and after the final, which saw tensions flare between players, officials, and match officials. Senegal, who emerged champions after defeating Morocco in the final, were handed the most severe penalties after CAF ruled that the conduct of their players, technical staff, and supporters breached disciplinary regulations.
Senegal’s head coach was suspended for several CAF matches and fined after leading players off the pitch in protest during the game. Two Senegalese players were also suspended for unsporting behaviour towards the referee, while the Senegalese Football Federation received a substantial fine running into hundreds of thousands of dollars for misconduct by the team and supporters.
Morocco were not spared either. CAF found the Moroccan Football Federation guilty of multiple breaches, including interference with match officials and inappropriate conduct around the video assistant referee area. Sanctions were also imposed on Moroccan players for their behaviour during the final, with suspensions and financial penalties issued accordingly. In addition, CAF fined the federation for actions involving team officials and ball boys during the match.
CAF also dismissed a formal protest filed by Morocco challenging aspects of the final, confirming Senegal’s victory and closing the case. The governing body said the sanctions were meant to uphold discipline and protect the integrity of African football, especially at the continent’s flagship tournament.
The decision brings to an end one of the most controversial AFCON finals in recent history, serving as a reminder that while passion runs deep in African football, unsporting conduct will not go unpunished.
