AFCON 2025: CAF called out over 'lenient' sanctions on Hakimi, Morocco

Following one of the most ill-tempered finals in recent memory, Africa's football governing body CAF has released its disciplinary verdict, handing down over $1 million in total fines to Senegal and Morocco.

However, rather than closing the chapter, the sanctions have ignited a fierce debate over "preferential treatment," with fans and critics labelling the punishment for the Atlas Lions as a mere "slap on the wrist."

The flashpoint for much of the anger stems from the unsporting antics that overshadowed Senegal's 1-0 victory.

Footage of Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi and teammate Ismael Saibari attempting to snatch towels from Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy went viral, leading to a $200,000 fine for the Moroccan federation.

Despite the gravity of the towel-stealing incident and supporters using lasers to blind opponents, critics argue that the financial penalties, particularly the $15,000 fine for laser use, are far too small to act as a deterrent.

“As long as the Towel team (Morocco) has also been sanctioned I'm ok, but the laser fine of $15,000 is too little,” one supporter noted, highlighting a sentiment shared by many who feel the sanctions lacked real "teeth."

Perhaps the most jarring contradiction for fans was the decision to award Morocco the tournament’s Fair Play Trophy despite their technical staff and players invading the VAR review area, an act that cost them an additional $100,000.

The irony was not lost on the African football community. “How did Morocco win the fair play trophy if they get fined for unsportsmanlike behaviour?” asked one confused fan.

Others were less diplomatic, dismissing the entire disciplinary report as “Rubbish! Utter nonsense!”

Nigerian and Senegalese supporters have been particularly vocal, pointing out that Morocco’s "inappropriate behaviour" was not a one-off event during the final but a recurring theme throughout the competition.

“Morocco staff, security, players and ball boys didn't commit 'inappropriate behaviour' in the final only,” argued one critic. “This behaviour was repeated across several matches, so these sanctions should be for each match they committed 'inappropriate behavior' during the entire tournament.”

Another observer went even further, accusing CAF of a lack of courage in dealing with the host nation: “The sanctions on Morocco were far too lenient and should have been doubled. They committed a lot of unsporting acts against several national teams during AFCON, and being soft on them is corruption!”

While CAF maintains that these sanctions send a "strong message" about discipline, the disparity in rhetoric remains a sticking point.

With Senegal coach Pape Thiaw receiving a heavy five-match ban for his walk-off protest, the perception of "lenient" treatment for Morocco’s host-nation antics has left a bitter taste.