Morocco’s football authorities have announced plans to challenge disciplinary sanctions and fines imposed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after a chaotic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Senegal on January 18. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) described the decisions as unjust and disproportionate to the events that unfolded during the match in Rabat.
The FRMF said in a statement that it will lodge an official appeal “to preserve all rights guaranteed by the regulations,” arguing that the penalties imposed do not properly reflect the “extent and seriousness” of the incidents that disrupted the closing match of the tournament. CAF had fined the Moroccan federation a total of $315,000 and levied bans on some of its players for misconduct during the final.
Tensions during the final escalated after a controversial refereeing decision saw a late goal for Senegal disallowed, followed by the awarding of a penalty to Morocco. The penalty was missed, and play continued into extra time, where Senegal clinched a 1–0 victory. The match was further marred by pitch invasions, projectile-throwing by some fans, and protests from players, prompting CAF’s disciplinary action.
Among the sanctions against Morocco were fines for the behaviour of stadium ball boys, improper conduct by team personnel interfering with video assistant referee (VAR) operations, and use of laser pointers by supporters. Players Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari also received bans for unsporting conduct linked to actions on the field.
Senegal’s football federation and members of its squad also faced penalties, with hefty fines and match bans for coach Pape Thiaw and players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr, who were sanctioned for unsporting behaviour. The Senegalese side has signalled its intention to appeal portions of the disciplinary measures imposed by CAF.
The FRMF’s decision to contest the sanctions adds another chapter to the fallout from one of AFCON’s most controversial finals in recent history. The federation maintains that the appeal is necessary to uphold fairness and the integrity of tournament regulations, even as the broader African football community reflects on the implications of the match’s disorderly conclusion.
