AFCON Final Fallout: CAF Suspends Coaches And Players In 2026

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The Confederation of African Football has issued several suspensions and fines following chaotic scenes during the Africa Cup of Nations final, with sanctions affecting both Senegal and Morocco, as officials responded to protests over a stoppage‑time penalty and later misconduct by players, staff and supporters inside the stadium.

Morocco received a $200,000 (144,000) fine after the final. CAF cited the behaviour of players, actions of ball boys, use of lasers by supporters and members of staff entering the Video Assistant Review area, with the governing body judging these combined issues as serious breaches of its regulations.

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw was given a five‑match suspension and a $100,000 (72,000) fine. CAF ruled that Thiaw showed unsporting conduct by instructing players to leave the pitch in protest at the late Morocco penalty, which led to a long halt in play before extra time.

Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye each received two‑match bans for unsporting behaviour directed at the referee during the same incident. Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi was handed a two‑game suspension, with one match suspended for a year, after trying to remove Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy's towel in heavy rain. Ismael Saibari collected a three‑match ban and a $100,000 fine for an identical act towards Mendy.

The disciplinary measures followed a dramatic conclusion to normal time. Morocco were awarded a penalty deep in stoppage time, prompting Senegal’s players to walk off under instruction from Thiaw before later returning. Brahim Diaz finally took the kick 14 minutes after the award but missed an attempted Panenka.

Pape Gueye then scored the decisive goal for Senegal in extra time, securing the trophy despite the earlier protests and subsequent disciplinary fallout. The suspensions and financial penalties now shape future international fixtures for both national teams, with coaches, key players and the Moroccan federation all facing significant sanctions.