Salt To Injury: CAF Slashes Morocco Fines As Senegal Keeps Full Punishment In Shocking Ruling

CAF Reduces Morocco’s Fines & Maintains All Fines Against Senegal In Shocking Ruling

In a stunning decision released just before midnight on 17 March 2026, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board has drastically reduced the fines imposed on Morocco while leaving all financial penalties against Senegal completely untouched. The board upheld Morocco’s protest, ruling that Senegal forfeited the AFCON final with the scoreline now recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board decided that in application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, with the result of the Match being recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).

Morocco’s Original Fines Revealed And Slashed

Before the Appeal Board’s intervention, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) and its players were facing a substantial financial hit from the initial disciplinary rulings handed down in January 2026. The total original fines for Morocco amounted to US$315,000 (approximately R5.9 million).

The largest single fine against Morocco was US$200,000 (approximately R3.8 million) for the inappropriate behaviour of the stadium ball boys who were caught on camera attempting to seize a towel being used by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Morocco also faced a US$100,000 (approximately R1.9 million) fine for the improper conduct of players and technical staff who invaded the VAR review area.

Additionally, there was a US$15,000 (approximately R285,000) fine after Moroccan supporters used laser pointers to distract Senegalese players. Moroccan midfielder Ismaël Saibari was personally fined US$100,000 (approximately R1.9 million) for unsporting behaviour.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) received a major financial boost from the Appeal Board. The board partially upheld the appeal regarding Ismaël Saibari, confirming his misconduct but delivering a massive financial victory.

“The sanction imposed on Mr Ismaël Saibari (Player No. 11 of the Morocco National Team) is amended to a suspension of two (2) official CAF matches, of which one (1) match is suspended. The fine of USD 100,000 (approximately R1.9 million) imposed on Mr Ismaël Saibari is set aside.”

Morocco also saw relief in two other areas. The penalty for the ball boys incident was reduced from US$200,000 to US$50,000.

“The fine imposed on the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) in respect of the ball boys incident is reduced to USD 50,000 (approximately R950,000).”

The fine connected to the use of laser pointers was reduced from US$15,000 to US$10,000.

“The appeal lodged in respect of the laser incident is partially upheld. The fine imposed on the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) in respect of the laser incident is reduced to USD 10,000 (approximately R190,000).”

However, the board was not lenient on every aspect. The appeal regarding the chaotic scenes around the VAR review area was dismissed outright, meaning that US$100,000 (approximately R1.9 million) fine remains.

“The appeal lodged in respect of the interference around the OFR/VAR review area is dismissed. The fine of USD 100,000 (approximately R1.9 million) imposed on the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) in respect of the interference around the OFR/VAR review area is confirmed.”

Senegal’s Fines Remain In Full Force

While Morocco celebrated their reduced fines, the news for Senegal was financially devastating. Not only have they lost the AFCON trophy, but every single dollar of the punishments handed down by the initial Disciplinary Board remains in full effect.

The CAF Appeal Board found that the conduct of the Senegal team fell within the scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations. The protest lodged by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was upheld, with the board declaring that the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), through the conduct of its team, infringed Article 82.

This means the massive fines from January still stand. Head coach Pape Thiaw remains banned for five CAF matches and still faces a personal fine of US$100,000 (approximately R1.9 million). Players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr still face two-match bans each.

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) is still liable for the massive institutional fine of US$615,000 (approximately R11.5 million) for multiple breaches of the disciplinary code. While Morocco saw over US$150,000 (approximately R2.8 million) in fines reduced or eliminated, Senegal must pay the full mamount originally imposed.

Senegal Vows To Fight

The decision has sparked outrage in Senegal, with federation officials vowing to fight the ruling. Secretary General of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), Abdoulaye Seydou Sow, did not hold back in his criticism.

“We will not back down. The law is on our side. This decision is a travesty that rests on no legal basis. We felt that the panel was not there to apply the law, but to carry out an order.”

Sow confirmed that the federation will file an appeal, likely taking the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland.

Senegalese players took to social media to express their disbelief. Defender Moussa Niakhaté posted an image of himself holding the trophy on Instagram with a defiant message.

“Come and get it! They’re crazy!”

Left-back El Hadj Malick Diouf added his voice to the chorus of disbelief.

“It’s not what I expected… this thing isn’t going anywhere.”

With this ruling, Morocco is now officially crowned as the 2025 AFCON champions, their first title since 1976, while Senegal is left counting the cost of a lost trophy and millions in fines that refuse to go away.