Morocco Lodges Appeal Over $315,000 CAF Fine From AFCON Final Fallout

Morocco Lodges Appeal Over $315,000 CAF Fine From AFCON Final Fallout

By Admin 

Morocco’s football federation has announced its intention to appeal disciplinary sanctions and financial penalties imposed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following disorderly scenes during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Senegal last month.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was fined a total of $315,000 and saw two of its players handed suspensions after the incident-filled final, which took place on January 18.

In an official statement, the FRMF said it would file an appeal “to preserve all rights guaranteed by the regulations,” arguing that the sanctions were disproportionate and did not reflect “the extent and seriousness of the incidents that occurred.”

The final was marred by controversy late in normal time when a goal by Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr was disallowed for a foul on Achraf Hakimi, the 2025 African Player of the Year. Moments later, Morocco were awarded a penalty after Brahim Diaz was brought down, a decision that triggered intense protests from Senegalese players and officials.

Following a prolonged delay, Diaz’s penalty was weakly struck and saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The match proceeded to extra time, where Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal to secure Senegal’s second AFCON title.

During the stoppage for the disputed penalty, sections of the Senegalese crowd threw projectiles onto the pitch, and some supporters briefly invaded the field of play before security personnel restored order.

CAF fined Morocco $200,000 for the “inappropriate behaviour of stadium ball boys,” while an additional $100,000 fine was imposed for the “improper conduct” of players and technical staff who entered the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review area and obstructed the referee’s work. The match was officiated by a Congolese referee.

CAF also issued sanctions against Senegal, with players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr receiving two-match suspensions for “unsporting behaviour towards the referee.” Senegal were further cited for the “unsporting conduct of players and technical staff,” which CAF said violated disciplinary principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity.