The final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, held in Morocco, left a deep mark on African football. This highly anticipated clash between Senegal and Morocco was unfortunately marred by regrettable incidents that tarnished the competition’s image. Violence attributed to some Senegalese supporters, along with the Senegal players’ decision to temporarily leave the pitch in protest against the officiating, sparked intense controversy. Many observers expected exemplary sanctions from the Confederation of African Football.
After deliberations by the CAF disciplinary committee, the measures taken against Senegal were considered relatively lenient by some. Some believed the sanctions did not reflect the seriousness of the events that unfolded during this tense final against Morocco. This decision quickly fueled debates across the continent, reigniting the question of the governing body’s firmness in the face of such excesses.
Shortly after the official announcement, CAF President Patrice Motsepe released a statement suggesting that the sanctions imposed might not be sufficiently deterrent. Without directly contesting the committee’s decision, he expressed the need to learn clear lessons from these events to preserve the integrity and credibility of African competitions.
This Friday, during the CAF general assembly, Patrice Motsepe confirmed the organization’s intention to thoroughly review its regulatory framework. He stressed that the scenes witnessed during the AFCON in Morocco must never happen again. According to him, CAF will now adopt a much stricter approach, with zero tolerance for any behavior that damages the image of African football.
The president announced an amendment to the internal regulations and disciplinary rules to impose heavier and more appropriate sanctions for serious violations. The clear goal is to deter any recurrence, protect sporting fairness, and ensure respect for institutions. By strengthening its disciplinary arsenal, CAF aims to restore public trust and enhance the reputation of African football on the international stage.
