## AFCON Final Fallout: CAF Unleashes Severe Sanctions After Controversial Showdown
The fiery conclusion to this month’s Africa Cup of Nations final, a match already steeped in high stakes, has now ignited a wave of severe repercussions. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a raft of stringent penalties following the unruly spectacle between Senegal and Morocco, which saw players abandon the pitch and a game overshadowed by contentious decisions and unsportsmanlike conduct.
At the heart of the storm is Senegal’s coach, Pape Thiaw, who now faces a hefty five-match ban and a substantial fine for his role in the dramatic events. But he is not alone; several prominent players from both sides, alongside their respective federations, have also been hit with significant suspensions and financial penalties.
### The Inciting Incident: A Final Marred by Protest and Provocation
The drama unfolded in the final moments of the hotly contested match. Senegal, believing they had scored a crucial goal, saw it controversially disallowed. Moments later, the situation escalated further when Morocco was awarded a penalty. In a stunning display of protest, Coach Thiaw instructed his players to walk off the field, bringing the game to a standstill for a tense 14 minutes.
When play eventually resumed, Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed the critical spot-kick that could have secured his team the trophy. Senegal ultimately triumphed, securing a 1-0 victory in extra-time. However, the controversy wasn’t limited to the on-field decisions. The match was further marred by incidents of unsportsmanlike behaviour, notably involving Moroccan winger Ismael Saibari and the host nation’s ball boys repeatedly attempting to snatch a towel from Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
### Who Faces the Music? A Detailed Breakdown of CAF’s Punishments
CAF has wasted no time in delivering its verdict, making it clear that such conduct will not be tolerated. It’s important to note that all these sanctions apply exclusively to CAF-organised matches and will not impact players’ participation in this summer’s World Cup.
#### Senegal’s Heavy Burden
The reigning champions have borne the brunt of the disciplinary action:
* **Coach Pape Thiaw:** Slapped with a five-match ban and a colossal fine of $100,000 (approximately £72,000) for ordering his team off the pitch.
* **Forward Iliman Ndiaye (Everton):** Received a two-match ban.
* **Forward Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace):** Also handed a two-match ban.
* **Senegal Football Federation:** Hit with a staggering fine of $615,000 (around £445,000) for the collective misconduct of its technical staff, players, and supporters.
#### Morocco Also Penalised
The host nation and finalists have not escaped scrutiny, with their federation and key players also facing consequences:
* **Captain Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain):** Given a two-match ban, with one match suspended for a year, for his involvement in the heated exchanges.
* **Winger Ismael Saibari:** Issued a three-match ban and a $100,000 (approximately £72,000) fine, specifically related to the repeated attempts by him and the Moroccan ball boys to interfere with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy’s towel.
* **Moroccan Football Federation:** Fined $200,000 (around £144,000) for the behaviour of the stadium’s ball boys, and an additional $115,000 (approximately £83,000) for the conduct of its players and supporters.
The comprehensive nature of these sanctions underscores CAF’s resolve to uphold the integrity of the game and deter future instances of unsportsmanlike conduct in African football.