Morocco Challenges CAF Sanctions After AFCON Final Chaos

RABAT (Azat TV) – The Royal Morocco Football Federation (FRMF) is appealing the disciplinary rulings handed down by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following the chaotic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final against Senegal. The FRMF announced its decision this week, asserting that CAF’s sanctions are disproportionate to the severity of the incidents that marred the January 18 match, which Morocco, as hosts, lost 1-0 after extra time.

The appeal comes after CAF’s Disciplinary Committee issued a series of fines and suspensions to both federations and several players and staff members. Morocco believes the penalties against Senegal were too lenient, while those against its own team and federation were excessively harsh, failing to adequately address the significant disruptions caused during the final.

Morocco Cites Disproportionate AFCON Final Sanctions

The FRMF’s decision to appeal underscores its dissatisfaction with CAF’s assessment of the post-match events. According to the federation, the initial sanctions do not reflect the gravity of the violations, which included a prolonged interruption, property damage, and confrontations. FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa had previously conveyed the federation’s position in an official letter to CAF President Patrice Motsepe, highlighting the need for more stringent measures.

Morocco’s appeal specifically targets what it describes as the ‘withdrawal of Senegalese players and the conduct of their supporters’ during the final. The FRMF argues that while CAF rejected Morocco’s request to overturn the match result, the disciplinary actions taken were insufficient given the explicit CAF regulations (Articles 82 and 84) that sanction teams for abandoning the pitch.

Key Incidents Marred AFCON Final

The AFCON 2025 final, held last month, descended into disarray, prompting a 14-minute stoppage. The most significant incident involved Senegalese coach Pape Thiaw instructing his team to leave the pitch following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decision to award a penalty to Morocco, shortly after a Senegalese goal was disallowed. The team eventually returned to play after appeals from players like Sadio Mané and other observers.

Beyond the player walk-off, the match was further complicated by a pitch invasion by Senegalese fans, who reportedly damaged seats and used them as weapons against security personnel. Moroccan supporters were also cited for misconduct, including the use of laser pointers. Both teams’ players and staff were involved in confrontations, with Moroccan players accused of obstructing the VAR area and attempting to remove Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy’s towel in heavy rain conditions.

CAF’s Disciplinary Rulings Detailed

CAF’s Disciplinary Committee imposed a five-match ban and a $100,000 fine on Senegal’s coach Pape Thiaw. The Senegalese football federation was fined a total of $615,000 for the behavior of its players and supporters, including unsporting conduct and accumulated cautions. Additionally, Senegalese players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr each received two-match bans for unsporting actions directed at the referee.

Morocco, despite being the aggrieved party in some instances, also faced significant penalties. The FRMF was fined $315,000 for various infractions, including misconduct by Moroccan players and staff, obstruction in the VAR area, laser use by supporters, and ball-boy misconduct. Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension (one suspended for a year), while Ismael Saibari was handed a three-game ban and a $100,000 fine. Both players were penalized for their actions involving Mendy’s towel.

Diplomatic Tensions Amidst Football Dispute

The fallout from the AFCON final extended beyond the pitch, with social media tensions escalating between Morocco and Senegal. This prompted both countries to issue conciliatory messages, reaffirming their strong economic and diplomatic relationships. Despite the controversy surrounding the final, CAF has described the tournament as an overall success, citing record revenues.

The appeal process will now see the FRMF challenge CAF’s decisions, seeking to ensure that, in its view, justice is served and the rules governing continental football are applied consistently and fairly. The outcome of the appeal could set a precedent for how CAF addresses severe disciplinary issues in its premier competitions moving forward.

The FRMF’s appeal highlights the enduring tension between sporting integrity and the pressures of hosting major tournaments, particularly when significant financial stakes and national pride are on the line. The federation’s insistence on a re-evaluation of sanctions suggests a deeper concern for fair play that could influence future CAF disciplinary frameworks.