The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has officially confirmed that it will not appeal the disciplinary sanctions imposed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following the chaotic 2025 AFCON final against hosts Morocco.
In a statement published today, the FSF said it had “taken note” of the disciplinary ruling issued on January 28 by the CAF Disciplinary Board and, after careful review, decided not to pursue any appeal against the sporting and financial penalties levied against the federation, its coaching staff, and several players.
Communiqué FSF : Réponse de la FSF suite à la décision rendue par le jury disciplinaire de la CAF pic.twitter.com/BdnyUvoX8T
— FSF (@Fsfofficielle) January 31, 2026
The sanctions stem from multiple incidents that marred the final in Rabat on January 18, when Senegal temporarily walked off the pitch in protest after a late penalty was awarded to Morocco. This decision led to a 14-minute stoppage before play resumed. Senegal ultimately won the match 1-0 after extra time, but the controversial scenes triggered disciplinary action.
Under the terms of the CAF rulings, FSF president Pape Bouna Thiaw received a five-match competition ban and a fine for unsporting conduct, while Senegalese forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr were each suspended for two CAF matches for improper behaviour toward the referee. The federation itself was hit with a significant fine for the conduct of its team and supporters.
In its communique, the FSF affirmed that it assumes full financial responsibility for all fines imposed on the federation, coaching staff, and players, a requirement under the CAF Disciplinary Code. The statement also made it clear that the decision not to appeal reflects a commitment to respect CAF’s regulatory framework and uphold the integrity of African football.
The decision suggests the Senegalese federation now aims to move on from the AFCON final fiasco as it eyes preparations for this summer’s FIFA World Cup.
But this AFCON drama may yet take another legal turn in the coming days, with indications that Morocco is eager to seize the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to settle the case.
