CAF Executive Committee Member Admits Morocco Were 'Robbed' in 2025 AFCON Final
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has delivered a strong message to the Moroccan Football Federation, one month after the chaotic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final. In a stunning admission, a CAF Executive Committee member publicly stated that Morocco were 'robbed' during the match, which Senegal won 1-0 to claim their second AFCON title.
Chaotic Final and CAF Sanctions
The Teranga Lions of Senegal defeated the Atlas Lions of Morocco in a dramatic final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026. The match was marred by significant disruptions, including Senegal's coach Pape Thiaw ordering his players to leave the pitch in protest of a penalty awarded to Morocco after a foul on Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz. Sanity was only restored when Sadio Mane intervened to recall his teammates, leading to Diaz missing the penalty and Papa Gueye scoring the winning goal in extra time.
In response to the incidents, CAF imposed substantial fines and suspensions on both nations. Morocco's captain Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension, with one match suspended for a year, due to unsporting behaviour. Ismael Saibari was given a three-match suspension and a $100,000 fine for his involvement in a towel issue. The Moroccan Federation was fined $200,000 for the inappropriate actions of ball boys targeting Yehvann Diouf, an additional $100,000 for players invading the VAR review area and interfering with officials, and $15,000 for supporters using lasers, totaling $315,000 in fines.
CAF Apology and Admission of Injustice
Samir Sobha, a CAF Executive Committee member and President of the Mauritius Football Association, publicly apologized to Morocco, acknowledging procedural errors during the final. He stated via The Guardian: "I want to beg the Moroccan Federation to forgive us for the injustice done to them. The rules were not respected as they should have been in this match. The Atlas Lions were robbed. It's clear. After the Senegalese team left the field, all the players should have received a yellow card."
This admission highlights significant regulatory breaches that affected the match's outcome, with Sobha emphasizing that Morocco suffered under the competition regulations.
Additional Sanctions and Referee Verdict
CAF also sanctioned Senegal for their role in the disruptions. Coach Pape Thiaw was suspended for five matches and fined $100,000 for unsporting behaviour that breached fair play principles. Senegalese players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr each received two-match suspensions for their conduct towards the referee.
Despite the controversy, CAF has cleared referee Jean-Jacques Ndala of any wrongdoing after days of speculation and scrutiny. The Congolese official was officially exonerated, bringing clarity to one of the most debated aspects of the final.
The 2025 AFCON final has left a lasting impact on African football, with CAF's unprecedented apology and sanctions underscoring the need for stricter enforcement of rules and integrity in future tournaments.
