CAF Sanctions Morocco Players, Federation for Misconduct in AFCON 2025 Final

Rabat: The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued suspensions and fines against Morocco's football federation and two national team players following misconduct during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final. According to Ghana News Agency, Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two official CAF matches, with one of the matches being suspended for one year from the date of the ruling. Midfielder Ismaël Saibari received a three-match suspension for misconduct and was fined US$100,000. The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) faced a US$200,000 fine due to what CAF described as inappropriate conduct by the stadium's ball boys during the match. CAF stated that this behavior breached organizational and fair play obligations. Furthermore, the FRMF was fined US$100,000 after Moroccan players and technical staff entered the VAR review area and obstructed the referee's work. These actions, according to CAF, violated principles of fair play and integrity under Articles 82 and 83 of its disciplinary code. An additional US$15,000 fine was imposed on the federation for the use of laser lights by its supporters during the final. CAF clarified that the sanctions were issued in accordance with its disciplinary framework, aiming to reinforce matchday conduct standards across African football.