AFCON 2025: CAF bans Hakimi as Senegal and Morocco are sanctioned

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a series of disciplinary sanctions against the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) following incidents during the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.

The ruling, delivered by the CAF Disciplinary Board, also targets individual players and officials from both nations, marking one of the most disciplinary interventions of the tournament.

In the most high-profile decision, CAF has imposed a ban on Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi, citing violations of the CAF Disciplinary Code linked to conduct during the final.

The suspension bars Hakimi from participating in CAF-sanctioned competitions for the duration of the ban.

“To suspend the Moroccan National Team player, Mr Achraf Hakimi for two (2) official CAF matches, with one (1) of these matches being suspended for one (1) year from the date of this decision, for his unsporting behaviour,” CAF statement reads.

Beyond individual sanctions, CAF confirmed that both FSF and FRMF were found responsible for breaches of disciplinary regulations related to events surrounding the final match.

While CAF has not disclosed all operational details, the governing body stated that the actions of team officials and players contributed to behavior deemed incompatible with CAF statutes and competition regulations.

CAF said, “To fine the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) USD 200,000, for the inappropriate behaviour of the stadium’s ball boys during the aforementioned match.

“To fine the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) USD 100,000 for the improper conduct of their National Team players and technical staff, who invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee’s work, in violation of the principles of fair play and integrity, as stated in Articles 82 and 83 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

“To fine the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF)  USD 15,000 for the use of lasers by its supporters during the aforementioned match.

“To fine the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), USD 300,000 for the improper conduct of its supporters, which brought the game into disrepute in violation of the CAF Disciplinary Code principles of fair play and integrity.

“To fine the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), USD 300,000 for the unsporting conduct of their players and technical staff in violation of the CAF Disciplinary Code principles of fair play, loyalty, and integrity. The unsporting conduct of their players and the technical staff also brought the game into disrepute.”

As part of the same ruling, the Disciplinary Board addressed a formal protest submitted by the Moroccan federation. FRMF had alleged that Senegal breached Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations during the final.

After reviewing the complaint, CAF officially rejected Morocco’s protest, concluding that the claims were unfounded and did not meet the threshold required for regulatory violations.

“The CAF Disciplinary Board rejected the protest lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF)  regarding alleged violations by the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, relating to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final,” CAF said.