By Business Insider Reporter
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a historic crackdown on two of the continent’s footballing giants, following a turbulent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat earlier this month. The sanctions, aimed at the Senegal and Moroccan Football Federations, represent some of the most severe disciplinary actions in the history of the tournament.
A final marred by controversy
While the final was intended to be a celebration of African football, it descended into chaos following a late penalty awarded to the host nation, Morocco. The decision sparked a fierce protest from the Senegalese side, leading to scenes that CAF officials described as bringing the game into “disrepute.”
Record-breaking fines for senegal
Senegal has been hit the hardest, facing a staggering total fine of US$615,000 for the “improper and unsporting conduct” of their players, technical staff, and supporters. This figure sets a new precedent as the largest fine ever imposed by CAF.
The disciplinary board singled out specific individuals for their roles in the unrest:
- Coach Papi Thiaw: Fined US$100,000 and handed a five-match suspension from official CAF competitions for leading his team off the pitch in protest.
- Players: Two unnamed members of the squad received US$100,000 fines each and two-match suspensions.
Sanctions for the hosts
Morocco did not escape the board’s scrutiny despite their victory. The Moroccan Football Federation has been ordered to pay US$315,000 due to several organisational and behavioural failures during the final, including:
- Interference with Officials: Supporters and staff were cited for invading the VAR review area and obstructing the referee’s ability to officiate.
- Unsporting Tactics: The behaviour of the stadium’s ball boys was deemed inappropriate.
- Spectator Misconduct: The pervasive use of lasers by Moroccan supporters during the match.
- Individual Discipline: One Moroccan player was fined US$100,000 and suspended for three matches for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Context: The rising stakes of African football
These penalties come at a time when CAF is under pressure to modernize the African game and improve stadium security and professionalism.
By imposing near-million-dollar total fines, the governing body is sending a clear signal that dissent against officials – particularly regarding VAR decisions – and the disruption of play will no longer be tolerated. For Senegal, the loss of their head coach for five matches will be a significant blow to their upcoming qualifying campaigns. For Morocco, the fines serve as a blemish on what was otherwise a triumphant tournament hosting.
