The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced severe penalties on 28/1, addressing the chaotic incidents that marred the AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco. The two nations were collectively fined over 1 million USD for various infractions, including player and coaching staff misconduct, fan behavior, and disruptions that negatively impacted the image of African football.

Senegal's head coach, Pape Thiaw, received a 5-match ban from CAF-organized competitions and a 100,000 USD fine for unsporting conduct that damaged football's image. The Senegal Football Federation incurred a 615,000 USD fine for the overall conduct of its team and supporters. Additionally, two Senegalese players, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, received two-match CAF suspensions for their inappropriate reactions towards the referee.

Senegal and Morocco players argue during the Africa Cup of Nations final at Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium, Rabat, Morocco on 18/1. *Marca*

Morocco was handed a total fine of 315,000 USD. These penalties arose from the conduct of players and coaching staff in the VAR area, the behavior of ball boys, and the use of laser pointers by fans in the stands. A significant portion of this fine, 200,000 USD, was specifically for ball boys intentionally pulling Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy's towel in an attempt to distract him.

Morocco's captain, Achraf Hakimi, received a two-match suspension, with one match deferred for one year. Ismael Saibari was banned for three matches and fined an additional 100,000 USD for unsporting conduct, specifically for his involvement in trying to grab Mendy's towel during the heavy rain in Rabat.

CAF confirmed that these suspensions apply exclusively to African competitions and will not impact the World Cup, which begins in June, as both Senegal and Morocco have already qualified. Morocco's appeal to overturn the match result, based on Senegal's alleged unauthorized departure from the field, was rejected by the CAF Disciplinary Committee.

Coach Pape Thiaw and Sadio Mane celebrate the AFCON championship. *Anadolu*

The final at Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium descended into chaos from the 7th minute of second-half stoppage time. This occurred after referee Jean-Jacques Ndala consulted VAR and awarded a penalty to host Morocco. Senegal players reacted vehemently, leaving the field in protest under the instruction of coach Pape Thiaw. Numerous Senegal fans also breached advertising barriers, moving onto the pitch to confront the refereeing team and the host nation, necessitating intervention from security forces and riot police.

The incident led to widespread disorder at Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium, causing a 15-minute interruption to the match. Upon Senegal's return to the field, allowing the final to resume, Brahim Diaz stepped up to take Morocco's penalty. The Real Madrid forward attempted a Panenka-style kick, but goalkeeper Edouard Mendy anticipated it, making a clean save. This crucial miss cost Morocco the opportunity to secure their first continental title in 50 years, pushing the match into extra time. There, Pape Gueye scored a powerful shot, securing a 1-0 victory for Senegal.

The incidents during the AFCON final provoked strong reactions throughout the football community. Morocco coach Walid Regragui characterized the final as a "shameful image" for African football. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also described the events as "ugly" and urged CAF to implement robust measures.

Beyond the football pitch, the incident also strained diplomatic relations between Senegal and Morocco, prompting officials from both nations to call for restraint. Senegal's Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, commented that the intense reactions were simply "outbursts of emotion due to sports passion, not political or cultural rifts."

This incident occurred particularly as Morocco is set to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. The events have placed significant pressure on the North African nation's international image and its ambitions as a major tournament organizer.

By Hong Duy (according to ESPN)