CAF Sanctions: Saibari Suspended for 3 Official Continental Matches, Fined $100,000
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced early Thursday morning disciplinary sanctions following the incidents that occurred during the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The final, held in Rabat, saw the Moroccan national team face their Senegalese counterparts, with Senegal ultimately winning the title.
Moroccan player Ismael Saibari was among those sanctioned by the Disciplinary Committee. CAF decided to suspend him for three official matches in continental competitions and fined him $100,000 for unsporting behavior during the final match.
Saibari's suspension stems from the 'towel incident,' which the Disciplinary Committee deemed an 'unsporting' act during the final, leading to the imposition of the penalty on the player.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was also subject to sanctions. They were fined $200,000 for inappropriate conduct by ball boys on the field, an additional $100,000 due to players and technical staff encroaching on the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) area, and a further $15,000 for the use of laser pointers by some Moroccan fans.
On the Senegalese side, national team coach Pape Boubacar Thiaw was suspended for five official matches and received a fine. Additionally, two Senegalese players were suspended for two matches each, and the Senegalese Football Federation was fined for the conduct of its fans and players during the final.
CAF concluded its statement by rejecting the complaint filed by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation regarding the match incidents, which had requested additional sanctions based on Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations.
