The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to announce its ruling within the next 48 hours following a disciplinary hearing involving the Senegal Football Federation (FSF) over the chaotic scenes that marred the closing moments of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the FSF confirmed that its officials, including head coach Pape Thiaw, appeared before CAF’s Disciplinary Committee to respond to issues arising from the final between hosts Morocco and Senegal.
“The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) informs the national and international public that it appeared, on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, before the Disciplinary Jury of the Confederation of African Football (CAF),” the statement read.
It explained that the hearing followed reports from match officials and a formal protest by the Moroccan FA after the final.
“This procedure follows the reports of the match officials as well as the objections lodged by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation at the conclusion of the final of the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.”
The FSF was represented by its Secretary General, with legal assistance provided by Maître Seydou DIAGNE. Key members of the Senegal squad, including head coach Pape Bouna THIAW, and players Ismaïla SARR and Iliman NDIAYE, were also questioned and presented their defence.
“The Disciplinary Panel has taken the matter under deliberation and will notify its decision within forty-eight (48) hours, a deadline set by the President of the Jury,” the statement added.
The controversy stemmed from the dramatic ending of the final on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Several Senegal players left the pitch following instructions from head coach Thiaw after matchday referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded what they deemed a controversial penalty in the 97th minute to Morocco. The spot-kick was eventually missed by Brahim Díaz following the resumption of the match.
The match was halted for approximately 17 minutes, during which footage showed confrontations between fans and security personnel inside the stadium.
In the immediate aftermath, CAF issued a strong condemnation: “CAF strongly 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 (Sunday, January 18, 2026).”
CAF added that disciplinary processes were already underway.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino also condemned “some Senegal players” for the “unacceptable scenes” which overshadowed their victory in the final when they walked off the pitch in protest at the penalty awarded to Morocco.
“We strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members,” Infantino said in a statement shared on Instagram. “It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right.”
Morocco subsequently filed formal complaints with both CAF and FIFA, arguing that Senegal’s actions disrupted the natural flow of the match.
“This situation had a significant impact on the normal course of the match and on the players’ performance.”
Both parties have now appeared before CAF’s Disciplinary Committee, with a final ruling expected later this week.
Senegal won the final after Pape Gueye scored the only goal four minutes into extra time.
Per beIN Sports, Morocco wants Senegal stripped of the trophy for walking off the pitch.
