Morocco to appeal CAF sanctions after chaotic AFCON final against Senegal

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has announced its decision to appeal disciplinary sanctions handed down by the Confederation of African Football following last month’s chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal.

The final, played on January 18, ended in a 1-0 extra-time defeat for hosts Morocco but was marred by a series of incidents that led to a 14-minute stoppage.

The disruption followed a walk-off by Senegalese players after referee Jean-Jacques Ndala disallowed their goal and subsequently awarded a penalty to Morocco, triggering a pitch invasion by supporters and confrontations involving players and match officials.

CAF’s Disciplinary Committee imposed heavy sanctions, including a five-match ban and a $100,000 fine on Senegal coach Pape Thiaw.

Senegal’s football federation was also fined $615,000 for the conduct of players and fans, while Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr received two-match bans for unsporting behaviour toward the referee.

Morocco was not spared. CAF rejected their request to overturn the match result and imposed fines totalling $315,000, citing misconduct by players, staff, and supporters.

Captain Achraf Hakimi received a two-match ban, one suspended for a year, while Ismael Saibari was banned for three games, following an incident involving Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

In a statement, the FRMF described the sanctions as disproportionate and confirmed it would pursue an appeal to protect its legal rights, pointing in particular to the walk-off and crowd behaviour.

CAF, however, maintained that the tournament was a commercial success and confirmed the sanctions will remain in force pending any appeal outcome.