Upcoming Appeals Hearing in Cairo
On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, a significant appeals hearing is set to take place in Cairo, Egypt, concerning the controversial events that transpired during the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, which saw Morocco facing Senegal. The hearing will commence at 1 PM Cairo time (11 AM Rabat time) and is expected to address the various issues that arose during this high-stakes match.
Details of the Controversy
The Appeals Commission of the African Football Confederation (CAF), presided over by Nigerian judge Roli Harriman, will review the case following an appeal lodged by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). This appeal was initiated after the CAF's disciplinary jury announced sanctions deemed lenient towards Senegal and excessively harsh towards Morocco, igniting widespread confusion and concern among fans and officials alike.
During the original ruling, Senegal's coach, Pape Bouna Thiaw, faced a five-match suspension alongside a hefty fine of $100,000 for instructing his players to leave the pitch after the referee awarded a controversial penalty to Morocco, which was ultimately missed by player Brahim Diaz. This decision led to a chaotic atmosphere and nearly 16 minutes of disruption in the match. Additionally, two Senegalese players, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr, received two-match suspensions for unsportsmanlike behavior towards the referee.
On the Moroccan side, notable player Achraf Hakimi was handed a two-match suspension, including one deferred, for similar unsportsmanlike conduct. Ismaël Saibari also received a three-match ban and a fine of $100,000. The FRMF itself was subjected to multiple fines totaling $315,000 due to the conduct of ball boys and other infractions during the match.
The upcoming hearing is crucial as all parties involved will be summoned once again, and new evidence may be presented, potentially leading to a reassessment of the initial verdict. The outcomes of this hearing could have significant implications for both national teams and the integrity of the tournament itself.
As reported by sport.le360.ma.
