AFCON 2025: Morocco challenges CAF ruling following Hakimi ban

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has confirmed it will formally appeal the sanctions imposed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after the controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Senegal.

The decision was announced on Tuesday, weeks after the dramatic final played on January 18, 2026, which was marred by a mid-match walk-off by the Senegalese team and widespread crowd disorder.

The ruling, delivered by the CAF Disciplinary Board, sanctioned the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).

CAF also imposed a ban on Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi, citing violations of the CAF Disciplinary Code linked to conduct during the final.

In an official statement, the FRMF criticised CAF’s Disciplinary Committee, describing the sanctions as “not proportionate to the gravity and seriousness of the events” that unfolded during the final.

FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa has already communicated Morocco’s objections in a detailed letter addressed to CAF President Patrice Motsepe, outlining what the federation believes were major shortcomings in CAF’s disciplinary response.

Morocco argues that the penalties handed down failed to reflect the scale of the breakdown that followed Senegal’s protest.

The flashpoint of the final occurred when Senegal’s coaching staff instructed their players to leave the pitch after a VAR-awarded penalty was given to Morocco. The match was halted for nearly 15 minutes as players retreated to the dressing rooms.

Although play eventually resumed, with Senegal going on to secure a 1–0 victory, Moroccan officials insist the walk-off set a dangerous precedent and should have resulted in far more severe consequences, including the possibility of a match forfeiture.

Instead, CAF opted for financial fines and multi-match suspensions affecting players and officials from both sides.

Morocco is also contesting sanctions imposed on its own personnel, most notably a three-match suspension for midfielder Ismaël Saibari, which the federation has labelled “unfounded.”

According to the FRMF, the post-match chaos, which included pitch invasions and crowd unrest, was largely triggered by Senegal’s refusal to continue play and compounded by security failures, rather than actions taken by Moroccan players or staff.

With the appeal now officially lodged, the matter will move to CAF’s higher judicial bodies for review.