The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has announced it will appeal disciplinary sanctions imposed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following last month’s controversial Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal.
The final, played on January 18, ended in a 1–0 extra-time defeat for hosts Morocco, but the match was overshadowed by chaos that caused a 14-minute stoppage. The disruption began after Senegalese players briefly walked off the pitch when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala disallowed their goal and awarded Morocco a penalty — a decision that sparked a pitch invasion by supporters and heated confrontations involving players and match officials.
CAF’s Disciplinary Committee handed down a series of sanctions. Senegal coach Pape Thiaw received a five-match ban and a $100,000 fine, while the Senegalese Football Federation was fined $615,000 for the behaviour of its players and fans. Players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each given two-match bans for unsporting conduct toward the referee.
Morocco were also punished after CAF rejected their request to overturn the match result. The FRMF was fined a combined $315,000 for misconduct by players, staff and supporters. Captain Achraf Hakimi was handed a two-match ban, with one suspended for a year, while Ismael Saibari received a three-game suspension following an incident involving Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
In a statement, the FRMF described the penalties as disproportionate and confirmed it would move forward with an appeal to defend its legal rights, particularly highlighting the player walk-off and crowd disturbances.
CAF, however, insists the tournament was a commercial success and says the sanctions will remain in effect pending the outcome of any appeal.
