The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to deliver its verdict on the chaotic final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations within the next 48 hours, following a disciplinary hearing involving the Senegal Football Federation (FSF).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Senegal FA confirmed that officials of the federation, including head coach Pape Thiaw, appeared before CAF’s Disciplinary Committee to respond to issues arising from the closing moments of the final between hosts Morocco and Senegal.
Confirming its appearance before CAF, the FSF said:
“The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) informs the national and international public that it appeared, on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, before the Disciplinary Jury of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).”
It explained that the hearing followed reports from match officials and a formal protest by the Moroccan FA after the final of the tournament.
“This procedure follows the reports of the match officials as well as the objections lodged by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation at the conclusion of the final of the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.”
Providing details of its representation and defence before the panel, the statement added: “The FSF, represented by its Secretary General, benefited from legal assistance provided by Maître Seydou DIAGNE.”
Some key members of the Senegal squad were questioned during the hearing per the statement.
“Head coach Pape Bouna THIAW, as well as players Ismaïla SARR and Iliman NDIAYE, were duly heard and presented their defence.”
According to the release, CAF’s disciplinary body has since taken the matter under consideration.
“The Disciplinary Panel has taken the matter under deliberation and will notify its decision within forty-eight (48) hours, a deadline set by the President of the Jury.”
The controversy stemmed from the dramatic ending of the final, when several Senegal players left the pitch following instructions from head coach Thiaw after referee Ndala awarded a late penalty to Morocco in the 97th minute. The decision was widely debated, though the penalty was eventually missed by Brahim Díaz when play resumed.
The match was halted for approximately 17 minutes, during which television footage showed confrontations between fans and security personnel inside the stadium.
In the immediate aftermath, CAF issued a strong condemnation of the scenes that unfolded in Rabat.
“CAF strongly condemns the unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat last night (Sunday, January 18, 2026).”
CAF added that disciplinary processes were already underway.
“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organizers. CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino also weighed in, criticising what he described as unacceptable conduct that marred the final.
“We strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members,” Infantino said in a statement shared on Instagram.
He added:
“It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right.”
Morocco subsequently filed formal complaints with both CAF and FIFA, arguing that Senegal’s actions disrupted the natural flow of the match.
“The Royal Moroccan Football Federation announces that it will pursue legal action with the Confederation of African Football and FIFA to rule on the walk-off of the Senegalese national team from the field during the final against the Moroccan national team, as well as on the events surrounding this decision, following the referee’s awarding of a penalty that was deemed correct by all experts.”
The Moroccan FA further insisted that the incident had a direct impact on the contest.
“This situation had a significant impact on the normal course of the match and on the players’ performance.”
Both parties have now appeared before CAF’s Disciplinary Committee, with a final ruling expected later this week.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Source: www.myjoyonline.com
