CAF Vows Disciplinary Measures After 2025 AFCON Final Chaos

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has vowed to take action against those involved in the chaos that marred the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Senegal and Morocco.

The trouble began when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty to Morocco in stoppage time following a VAR check for Malick Diouf’s challenge on Brahim Diaz.

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw, already unhappy with a disallowed goal for his team, ordered his players off the pitch in protest.

After a 16-minute delay, former Liverpool winger Sadio Mane instructed his teammates to return.

When play resumed, Diaz’s Panenka penalty was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, sending the match into extra time.

Pape Gueye then scored the winning goal for Senegal in extra time.

In a statement on Monday, 19 January 2025, CAF said it was reviewing all footage and would refer the matter to the relevant authorities for action against anyone found guilty. Reads the statement:

“The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) 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.

“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers.

“CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.”

Meanwhile, some football commentators have called on CAF to take strong action against Senegal for their players’ decision to walk off the pitch.

Some have suggested that Senegal should be stripped of the AFCON title and it handed to Morocco.

Others have proposed banning Senegal from future tournaments, while some have called for the team to have points deducted ahead of the next AFCON qualifiers.