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Morocco’s football federation said it will appeal sanctions imposed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after disorder during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Senegal.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) said the punishments were “not commensurate with the gravity and seriousness” of the incidents during the Jan. 18, 2026, final.
FRMF said in a statement on Tuesday that it has chosen to appeal these decisions and that its president has written to CAF.
“Considering that the sanctions issued by the Disciplinary Committee are not commensurate with the gravity and seriousness of these events, as emphasised in the official correspondence sent by the President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation to the President of the Confederation of African Football, and in its commitment to upholding all rights guaranteed by law, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation has decided to appeal these rulings,” it said.
The match turned chaotic late in regular time. A goal by Senegal’s Ismaïla Sarr was ruled out for a foul on Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi.
Soon after, Morocco was given a penalty when Brahim Díaz was fouled. Senegal players and officials protested.
TV footage showed Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw making gestures toward his players, widely interpreted as instructing them to leave the field.
Most of the Senegal squad walked off and went to the dressing room. Senegal captain Sadio Mané, however, remained on the pitch and later persuaded his teammates to return so that the match could resume.
After a long delay, Díaz’s penalty was saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The match went to extra time, where Pape Gueye scored the winning goal to give Senegal their second AFCON title.
Both the Moroccan and Senegalese football federations were later fined by CAF last month.
“CAF Disciplinary Board imposed sanctions on the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) and certain players and officials for the incidents during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final, which violated the CAF Disciplinary Code,” CAF wrote in a statement published on its website.
In response to the CAF ruling, Senegal’s federation stated it would accept the ruling and pay all fines, including those incurred by its players and staff.
“In accordance with the provisions of Article 91.4 of the CAF Disciplinary Code, the Senegalese Football Federation confirms that it assumes full financial responsibility for the fines imposed on its association, its technical staff, and its players.”
