The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has finally dropped the hammer on the chaotic scenes that marred the AFCON 2025 final, handing out record-breaking sanctions that have left both the victors and the hosts reeling. In a decisive ruling, CAF’s Disciplinary Board has fined Senegal a staggering KSh 79.9 million (USD 615,000) and Morocco KSh 53.9 million (USD 415,000), signaling a zero-tolerance policy towards indiscipline on the continent’s biggest stage.

The final, played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, descended into farce when the Senegalese team, led by head coach Pape Thiaw, walked off the pitch in protest against a controversial VAR penalty awarded to Morocco in the 97th minute. Although Senegal eventually returned to win the match 1-0 in extra time, CAF has ruled that their actions brought the game into disrepute.

Sanctions Galore

The punishment for Senegal is particularly severe. Coach Pape Thiaw has been slapped with a five-match ban and a personal fine of KSh 13 million (USD 100,000) for instigating the walkout. The board found that his instructions to the players to leave the field of play violated the core principles of fair play. "A coach must be a leader, not an agitator," the ruling read in part. "Abandoning the match, even temporarily, holds the entire tournament hostage."

Key Senegalese players were not spared either. Stars Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr have each received a two-match ban for "unsporting behavior toward the match officials" during the heated protests. This means the Teranga Lions will begin their AFCON title defense in the qualifiers without their tactical architect and two of their most potent attackers.

• Morocco's Liability: The hosts, Morocco, were punished for their failure to control the situation. The KSh 53.9 million fine covers the "improper conduct" of officials who entered the VAR area and the aggressive behavior of ball boys and fans, who pelted the pitch with lasers and debris. Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi also faces a two-match suspension for confronting the referee after the final whistle.
• The Title Stands: Crucially, CAF rejected Morocco’s petition to have Senegal stripped of the title. The board ruled that while the walkout was reprehensible, the fact that the match was completed and won on the field of play takes precedence. Senegal remain the 2025 champions, but their victory is now forever stained by the disciplinary fallout.

A Warning Shot

This ruling sets a massive precedent for African football. By levying fines totaling over KSh 133 million, CAF President Patrice Motsepe is sending a message that the chaotic antics of the past will no longer be tolerated. The days of storming pitches and threatening referees are over.

For Senegal, the financial hit is manageable, but the reputational damage is significant. For Morocco, the loss is double: they lost the trophy on home soil and have now been publicly reprimanded for failing to ensure a safe and orderly final. The 2025 final will be remembered not just for the football, but for the hefty price both nations are now paying for a moment of madness.