FRMF's Appeal on AFCON 2025 Final Accepted for Reevaluation
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has successfully had its appeal concerning the controversial events surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final acknowledged. This significant decision means that the case, which centers on the disciplinary actions taken after the final match held on January 18, 2026, in Rabat, will be reopened and reexamined by the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) Disciplinary Commission. All parties involved will be called for a new hearing, where additional evidence is expected to be presented, potentially altering the outcome of the previous sanctions.
In a previous announcement made on January 29, 2026, the CAF had imposed what many viewed as lenient penalties on Senegal while being more severe towards Morocco, leading to widespread confusion and criticism. Key issues included the refusal of the Senegalese team to resume play following a controversial penalty awarded to Morocco, an incident that sparked a considerable debate regarding the rules of the competition. Notably, the CAF did not explicitly address the abandonment of the match, nor did it apply the most stringent regulations concerning such situations.
Among the penalties handed down, Senegal's coach Pape Bouna Thiaw received a five-match suspension and a fine of $100,000 for directing his players to leave the field in protest. Additionally, players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr each received two-match suspensions for unsportsmanlike conduct towards the referee. The Senegalese Football Federation faced total fines amounting to $615,000 due to the behavior of its supporters and staff during the match.
On the Moroccan side, star player Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two matches, with one being suspended, for unsportsmanlike behavior, while teammate Ismaël Saibari was handed a three-match ban along with a $100,000 fine. Furthermore, the FRMF was charged a series of fines totaling $200,000 for the actions of ball boys, $100,000 for players and staff encroaching on the VAR area, and $15,000 for laser usage by supporters.
It’s crucial to remember that the Lions of Teranga departed the pitch in the 90+6 minute after the Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty to Morocco, which was ultimately missed by Brahim Diaz. This sequence of events followed nearly 16 minutes of uncertainty during the match. Senegal eventually secured the AFCON 2025 title with a goal from Pape Gueye in the 94th minute. The upcoming reexamination by the CAF could lead to significant changes in the original sanctions imposed.
As reported by sport.le360.ma.
