The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has announced its intention to appeal disciplinary sanctions imposed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following the chaotic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Senegal last month.
The final, played on January 18, ended in a dramatic 1–0 extra-time victory for Senegal over host nation Morocco but was overshadowed by a series of contentious incidents that resulted in a 14-minute stoppage.
The disruption followed a walk-off by Senegalese players after referee Jean-Jacques Ndala disallowed a Senegal goal and subsequently awarded a penalty to Morocco. The decision sparked protests from players, confrontations involving match officials, and a pitch invasion by sections of the crowd.
In the aftermath, CAF’s Disciplinary Committee handed down heavy sanctions. Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw was banned for five matches and fined $100,000, while the Senegal Football Federation received a $615,000 fine for the conduct of players and supporters.
Players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were also handed two-match bans for unsporting behaviour toward the referee.
Morocco were also sanctioned. CAF rejected the hosts’ request to overturn the match result and imposed fines totalling $315,000 for misconduct by players, officials, and supporters.
Captain Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension, with one match suspended for a year, while Ismael Saibari was banned for three matches following an incident involving Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
In a statement, the FRMF described the sanctions as excessive and disproportionate, confirming it would pursue an appeal to safeguard its legal rights. The federation highlighted concerns surrounding the initial walk-off by Senegalese players and the crowd disturbances that followed.
CAF, however, defended its decisions, insisting the disciplinary measures were appropriate and reiterating that the tournament was a commercial and organizational success. The governing body confirmed that the sanctions will remain in force pending the outcome of the appeal process.