The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Senegal and Morocco on 18 January in Rabat descended into unprecedented chaos, prompting the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to impose heavy sanctions on both teams. Wednesday’s announcement included fines exceeding USD 1 million (approximately BDT 12.23 crore) and suspensions for four players and Senegal’s head coach, highlighting the severity of the incidents that marred the tournament’s climax.
CAF clarified that the disciplinary measures are limited to African competitions and will have no bearing on the upcoming FIFA World Cup in June, where both Senegal and Morocco are confirmed participants. Nevertheless, the events of the final have cast a shadow over the reputation of African football.
Sanctions and Suspensions
The governing body imposed fines on the respective football federations for misconduct by players, coaching staff, and supporters:
| Team/Individual | Offence | Suspension | Fine (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senegal Football Federation | Misconduct by players & staff | – | 615,000 |
| Morocco Football Federation | Misconduct by players & staff | – | 315,000 |
| Pape Thiaw (Senegal coach) | Walkout protest, bringing the game into disrepute | 5 matches | 100,000 |
| Elimane Ndiaye (Senegal) | Misconduct | 2 matches | – |
| Ismaila Sarr (Senegal) | Misconduct | 2 matches | – |
| Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) | Misconduct | 2 matches | – |
| Ismaila Syarbi (Morocco) | Misconduct | 3 matches | 100,000 |
| Morocco ball boys | Interfering with goalkeeper during play | – | 200,000 |
The flashpoint of the final occurred when Senegal’s coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players off the pitch in protest against a late penalty awarded to the host nation, Morocco. The walkout halted the match for approximately 15 minutes. Once play resumed, Morocco failed to convert the penalty, and Senegal ultimately secured the African title with a 1–0 victory in extra time.
The match was further marred by spectators attempting to enter the pitch, altercations among players on the sidelines, and confrontations between journalists in the press box. In an unusual incident, Moroccan ball boys attempted to distract Senegalese goalkeeper Édouard Mendy by taking his towel, which led CAF to fine Morocco’s federation an additional USD 200,000.
Wider Repercussions
The controversial final has implications beyond football. Morocco, co-host of the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, saw its international image dented. Moroccan coach Walid Regragui admitted that the game set a “shameful precedent” for African football.
CAF also dismissed Senegal’s appeal to annul the match result, confirming Morocco as the tournament runner-up despite the walkout. The events sparked tension in diplomatic circles, with allegations of xenophobic remarks against sub-Saharan Africans in Morocco. Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko visited Rabat to urge viewing the incidents as expressions of emotion rather than political or cultural fault lines, a move aimed at calming diplomatic strains.
The Rabat final will remain a cautionary tale for African football authorities, emphasising the need for stricter regulations to prevent similar disorder in future tournaments.