This Thursday morning, the African Football Confederation (CAF) announced the sanctions related to the dramatic final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations between Senegal and Morocco. Senegal faced penalties, including suspensions for some players and fines. However, many observers felt the measures were relatively mild considering the incidents that occurred.
Morocco also faced sanctions: Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension, Ismaël Saibari got three matches, and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was hit with a significant financial fine. These decisions sparked anger in Rabat, already frustrated by the rejection of its request for a win by forfeit after the Senegalese left the pitch during the final.
What can Morocco hope for with the appeal?
The FRMF has decided to contest the sanctions before the CAF appeals committee, with several goals:
- Challenge the individual suspensions of its players, emphasizing that they did not have the opportunity to defend themselves during the initial hearing.
- Reassess the financial fine imposed on the federation.
- Potentially request a review of the official result of the final, even if securing a win by forfeit seems unlikely after the initial rejection.
This appeal shows the FRMF’s determination to defend its interests while highlighting the principle of fairness in the treatment of disciplinary sanctions.
For Senegal, the risk remains limited. The sanctions already imposed have been deemed relatively light and proportional: targeted suspensions of certain players and modest fines, far less severe than those given to Morocco. As long as the CAF maintains its position, Senegal’s victory should not be questioned, and no major new penalties are to be feared.
