Morocco’s soccer federation intends to challenge penalties and fines issued by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following the tumultuous incidents at the Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal recently. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was fined a total of $315,000 last month, along with suspensions imposed on two of its players.
In a released statement, the FRMF announced its decision to appeal the sanctions, aiming to uphold all rights ensured by the regulations. The federation pointed out the discrepancies between the severity of the incidents and the imposed penalties.
During the AFCON final on January 18, the match witnessed several dramatic twists, starting with the disallowed goal of Ismaila Sarr due to a foul on Achraf Hakimi, the 2025 African player of the year. Subsequently, Morocco was granted a penalty following a foul on Brahim Diaz, leading to vehement protests from the Senegalese side.
Morocco failed to convert the penalty, with Diaz’s feeble attempt saved by Edouard Mendy. The game extended into extra time, where Pape Gueye secured Senegal’s second AFCON title with a goal.
Amidst the chaos surrounding the disputed penalty, some Senegalese fans hurled objects onto the field, while a few briefly invaded the pitch before law enforcement and security personnel intervened.
The fines imposed on Morocco included $200,000 for the misconduct of stadium ball boys, $100,000 for the inappropriate actions of players and technical staff disrupting the VAR review, and an additional $15,000 for supporters using lasers to distract opponents. Furthermore, Ismael Saibari received a three-match ban and a $100,000 fine for unsporting behavior, while captain Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two games.
The Senegal Football Federation (FSF), fined a total of $615,000 for various infractions during the final, including a five-game ban on head coach Pape Thiaw, also expressed its intention to challenge the penalties. Two Senegalese players, Iliman Ndiaye and Sarr, received two-match bans for their unsporting conduct towards the referee, with the sanctions highlighting the breach of fair play, loyalty, and integrity principles in the CAF disciplinary code.
