News Rendezvous

By News Rendezvous Desk | Published Wednesday, 28 January 2026

The Confédération Africaine de Football, Africa’s football governing body (CAF) has imposed heavy disciplinary sanctions on the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (Senegal Football Federation) (FSF) and the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (Morocco Football Federation) (FRMF) following a series of incidents during the The decisions, announced by the CAF Disciplinary Board, stem from violations of the CAF Disciplinary Code, particularly breaches relating to fair play, integrity, and conduct that brought the game into disrepute.

Senegal Hit With Heavy Suspensions and Fines

CAF handed down multiple sanctions against Senegal, targeting both officials and players. Senegal’s head coach, was suspended for five official CAF matches for unsporting conduct and actions deemed to have damaged the image of the game. He was also fined USD 100,000.

On the pitch, Senegalese players each received two-match suspensions for unsporting behaviour towards match officials.

The FSF itself was fined a cumulative USD 615,000, broken down into:USD 300,000 for the improper conduct of supporters, USD 300,000 for the unsporting conduct of players and technical staff, USD 15,000 after five Senegalese players received cautions during the match.

Moroccan Players and FA Also Sanctioned

CAF also sanctioned Morocco over several incidents linked to player behaviour, officials, and crowd actions. Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two CAF matches, due to unsporting conduct.

Midfielder Ismaël Saibari also received a three-match suspension and a USD 100,000 fine for his conduct.The FRMF was fined a total of USD 315,000, including: USD 200,000 for the inappropriate behaviour of stadium ball boys, USD 100,000 after Moroccan players and officials invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee, USD 15,000 for the use of laser pointers by Moroccan supporters.

CAF Rejects Morocco’s Protest

In a related decision, the CAF Disciplinary Board rejected a protest lodged by the FRMF alleging that Senegal violated Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations during the final.

CAF ruled that the complaint lacked sufficient merit to warrant disciplinary action.

Strong Message From CAF

The sanctions underline CAF’s determination to uphold discipline, protect match officials, and preserve the integrity of African football, particularly on the continent’s biggest stage.

The AFCON 2025 final, already remembered for its on-field drama, now stands as one of the most heavily sanctioned matches in recent CAF history sending a clear warning ahead of future continental competitions.

But CAF Maintains Silence Over Alleged Racist Chants Sparks Controversy

However, CAF’s disciplinary decisions have also sparked fresh controversy and debate across African and global football circles, following the absence of any sanction or reference to a widely circulated video allegedly showing Moroccan supporters making racist “monkey chants” during the final.

The video, which went viral on social media shortly after the match, has drawn strong condemnation from fans, pundits, and anti-racism advocates, who argue that such behaviour directly violates both CAF and FIFA statutes on racism, discrimination, and human dignity.

Under the Disciplinary Code and CAF’s own regulations, racist conduct by supporters constitutes a serious offence, often punishable by heavy fines, stadium bans, or points deductions. Critics therefore question why the CAF Disciplinary Board addressed issues such as ball-boy conduct, laser use, and technical area violations, yet remained silent on allegations widely viewed as more severe and damaging to the image of African football.

As of the time of this publication, (CAF) has not issued an official statement acknowledging the video or clarifying whether a separate investigation is underway.

The silence has intensified calls for transparency and consistency in CAF’s enforcement of anti-racism rules, particularly at flagship tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations.

Observers warn that failure to decisively address racism risks undermining CAF’s stated commitment to fair play, equality, and respect, values it has repeatedly pledged to uphold across African football.

TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 Final.