Confirmed sanctions for Senegal and Morocco following the incidents in the Africa Cup final
Both national teams were fined financially, and several players will be sidelined for multiple matches.
The 2026 Africa Cup of Nations final was supposed to be a showcase of continental brilliance, but it ended in a disciplinary nightmare. While Senegal is currently celebrating their latest title, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially served the "Lions of Teranga" and their opponents, Morocco, a bitter legal hangover. Following a series of pitch invasions, VAR interference, and threats of abandonment, CAF’s Disciplinary Board has issued a verdict that has sent shockwaves through the sport.
The FIFA vs. CAF Jurisdiction Clash
In an interesting political twist, FIFA President Gianni Infantino had reportedly pressured CAF to issue "exemplary" sanctions that would carry over into the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. However, CAF was firm in its stance: these resolutions apply only to CAF-organized tournaments. For now, the stars of Senegal and Morocco will not be barred from global FIFA stages, but their road to the next continental trophy just got significantly harder.
Senegal: The High Price of Victory
Despite lifting the trophy, the Senegalese Federation is facing a staggering $600,000 fine. The breakdown of the penalty is a PR disaster:
- The Fans: $300,000 for crowd disturbances and multiple interruptions during the match.
- The Squad: $300,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct by players and staff.
The most severe individual blow fell on head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw. The tactical mastermind has been slapped with a five-match suspension and a $100,000 fine for behaviors deemed "contrary to the principles of integrity." Furthermore, key players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr have received two-match bans each for their aggressive confrontation with the officiating crew.
Morocco: Ball Boys and VAR Invasions
The "Atlas Lions" did not escape the hammer. Achraf Hakimi received a two-match ban (one of which is suspended for a year, pending good behavior), but his teammate Ismaël Saibari was hit harder: a three-match ban and a $100,000 individual fine.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation is also facing a financial drain. CAF imposed a bizarre yet heavy $200,000 fine due to the "inappropriate conduct" of the stadium's ball boys, alongside an additional $100,000 penalty for staff members who stormed the VAR review area, an act that CAF described as "impeding the judicial process of the game."
The Final Word: The Protest Rejected
The drama wasn't confined to the pitch. Morocco filed a formal protest, citing specific regulations and demanding the match be forfeited after several Senegalese players temporarily left the field in protest during the game.
"After a thorough analysis, the Disciplinary Board has rejected the Moroccan claim, validating the referee’s actions and confirming Senegal as the official champions."
While the result stands, the 2026 AFCON will be remembered as much for its legal battles as for its goals. This verdict serves as a stern warning: in the new era of African football, the price of chaos is higher than ever.
