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Morocco Appeals CAF Sanctions Over Chaotic Africa Cup of Nations Final

The federation says the penalties are disproportionate to the January final's disruptions.

Overview

  • Morocco’s federation filed an appeal challenging CAF’s disciplinary rulings, citing Senegal’s brief walk-off and supporter conduct during the Jan. 18 final in Rabat.
  • CAF sanctioned Senegal with a five-match ban and $100,000 fine for coach Pape Thiaw, a $615,000 fine for the federation, and two-match bans for Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr.
  • Morocco received financial penalties and player suspensions tied to misconduct by players, staff, and supporters, with Achraf Hakimi given a two-match ban (one suspended), Ismael Saibari banned for three games, and a $200,000 fine linked to interference with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy’s towel.
  • CAF previously rejected Morocco’s request to overturn the match result and confirmed the fines and bans apply to CAF competitions, with World Cup participation unaffected.
  • Senegal will not appeal the sanctions, and authorities said 18 people are awaiting trial on hooliganism charges stemming from disorder at the final.