CAF's AFCON Final Fines and Sanctions Explained - What They Mean and What Comes Next

CAF's AFCON Final Fines and Sanctions Explained - What They Mean and What Comes Next

After one of the most chaotic finals in football history, we have the aftermath.

Following on from the final between Morocco and Senegal, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have issued a list of fines and sanctions towards both teams, as well as laid out some new rules.

CAF DISCIPLINARY BOARD DECISIONS ON THE #AFCON2025Final

■ Morocco’s protest to have Senegal stripped off the title REJECTED. Senegal confirmed as champions

SANCTIONS
🇸🇳 SENEGAL FOOTBALL FEDERATION (FSF)
■ FINES
- $300K for supporters’ improper conduct
- $300K for… pic.twitter.com/pTQ0vSh6DG

— Obong Colin NOT Collins (@ColinUdoh) January 29, 2026

Let's look into them, see what they mean, and see what will happen going forward.

Morocco

After the events that took place in the final, the hosts were fined a total of $315,000, let's break it down.

Firstly, a fine of $200k was issued to the Morocco Football Federation (FRMF) for the stadium ball boy's inappropriate behaviour during the final. During the buildup to Brahim Diaz's penalty in the dying minutes of the game, Morocco's ball boys were seen tampering with Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy's towel.

This towel issue is a big shame to Morocco … how do ball boys take away the towels of opposing team keepers just so they can’t save the ball well. They did everything possible to win against Senegal but football won 🏆 🇸🇳 pic.twitter.com/xyf9xTer8T

— 𝐂𝐀 𝐕𝐀?🐐🐐 (@psg_chief) January 19, 2026

Not only is this unsporting behaviour, but it also goes completely against the spirit of the Africa Cup of Nations. AFCON isn't just about football, it's a celebration of culture, heritage, and pride.

Secondly, the FRMF were fined $100k for improper conduct of players and staff. This is in relation to the commotion at the final whistle regarding the penalty, followed by unrest at the end of extra-time which resulted in referees being harassed.

Then, a $15k fine was issued for Morocco fans' use of lasers towards the Senegal players during the final.

Official 🚨

CAF fines the Morocco Football Federation a total of USD 315,000 (Ksh 40.6 million) for the ball boy ‘towelgate scandal’, invading VAR area and laser use during the #AFCON2025 final pic.twitter.com/Iu5YxCqNbS

— Ochieng' Stephen (@soo_ochieng) January 29, 2026

It is also worth noting that PSG right-back Achraf Hakimi is serving a 2 match suspension. Furthemore, Morocco lost their appeal to remove Senegal of their AFCON title.

Senegal

The champions were hit heavy with fines after their conduct in the final, racking up a total of $615,000

A fine of $300k was issued due to supporters' improper conduct. Following this, a $300k fine was issued for unsporting behaviour from both players and staff, resulting in Senegal abandoning the field following a controversial penalty decision. Finally, a $15k fine for misconduct owing to the five yellow cards received in the final was issued to the Lions of Teranga.

Pape Thiaw, Senegalese Coach suspended for 5 matches and fined $100,000 after CAF’s review.#BulletTvGh pic.twitter.com/Y0WUSaE6gg

— BulletTvGH (@bullettvghana) January 29, 2026

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw was also hit heavy with sanctions, receiving a 5 match suspension and a $100k fine for his misconduct.

What Happens Next?

Going forward, CAF has to ensure that an example is made out of both teams, and the law needs to be laid down to ensure this never happens again. Regardless of the result and the historic triumph for Senegal, African football's reputation was put into jeopardy and risked worldwide embarrassment due to their actions.

CAF was in debt and owed $140 million before South Africa's 🇿🇦 Patrice Motsepe assumed office in 2021.

Under his leadership, CAF will declared a profit of $11.7 million for the very first time in 8 years with an annual revenue of $150 million. pic.twitter.com/0mFNYOX0YU

— Africa First (@AfricaFirsts) January 17, 2026

South African multibillionaire Patrice Motsepe, president of CAF, has played a defining role in steering African football toward a more innovative, progressive, and globally respected future. With the CAF Nations League on the horizon and AFCON poised to shift from a two-year cycle to a four-year one, the stakes have never been higher. In this new era, there is simply no room for misconduct. Only professionalism, transparency, and ambition.

Looking ahead to the World Cup, a record nine African nations will head to the USA this summer, carrying not just their own hopes but the reputation of an entire continent. It is therefore vital that CAF’s standing is upheld and strengthened, ensuring African football continues to command respect and admiration on the global stage. The moment is historic, and Africa must rise to it.