The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a series of heavy sanctions on players, coaches and football associations following the chaotic scenes that overshadowed the aftermath of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.
In a statement released after deliberations by its disciplinary committee, CAF said the punishments were necessary to protect the integrity of its competitions and reinforce respect for match officials, particularly at high-profile tournaments.
Senegal were among the hardest hit. Head coach Papa Thiaw has been handed a five-match suspension from CAF competitions and fined $100,000 after leading his players off the pitch at the final whistle in protest of officiating decisions.
Two Senegalese internationals, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr, were also sanctioned. Both players received two-match bans from CAF competitions for what was described as unsporting behaviour towards match officials.
In addition to individual sanctions, CAF imposed a cumulative $615,000 fine on Senegal, broken down as follows:
· $300,000 for improper conduct by supporters
· $300,000 for unsporting behaviour by players and technical staff
· $15,000 for team disciplinary misconduct after accumulating five yellow cards
Morocco were also penalised following separate incidents during the final.
Defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension from all CAF competitions for what CAF termed “towel-related misconduct” directed at match officials. Midfielder Ismael Saibari was handed a three-match ban and fined $100,000 for a similar offence.
The Morocco Football Federation (FRMF) was fined a total of $315,000, including:
· $200,000 for unsporting conduct by ball boys involving towels
· $100,000 for unsporting behaviour by players and officials
· $15,000 for the use of laser pointers by supporters
CAF stressed that the sanctions are intended to send a strong message across African football that misconduct both on and off the pitch will not be tolerated.
The decisions have sparked widespread debate across the continent. While some stakeholders argue the punishments were necessary to maintain discipline and respect for officials, others have called for greater consistency in officiating and disciplinary enforcement at major tournaments.
