The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to deliver its verdict on the chaotic final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations within the next 48 hours, following a disciplinary hearing involving the Senegal Football Federation (FSF).
The Senegal FA confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday that federation representatives, including head coach Pape Thiaw, came before the CAF’s Disciplinary Committee to address concerns raised by the final moments between Senegal and hosts Morocco.
Confirming its appearance before CAF, the FSF said: “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).” It agreed that the hearing came after match officials’ reports and the Moroccan FA’s official objection following the tournament’s 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, represented by its Secretary General, benefited from legal assistance provided by Maître Seydou DIAGNE,” the statement continued, outlining the organization’s defence and representation before the panel.
According to the statement, several important Senegalese squad members were questioned during the hearing.
“Head coach Pape Bouna THIAW, as well as players Ismaïla SARR and Iliman NDIAYE, were duly heard and presented their defence.”
The release states that the issue is currently being considered by CAF’s disciplinary body.
“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 controversy stemmed from the dramatic ending of the final, when several Senegal players left the pitch following instructions from head coach Thiaw after matchday referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded what he deemed a controversial penalty in the 97th minute to Morocco which was eventually missed by Brahim Diaz following the resumption of the match.
Video captured violence between spectators and stadium security during the roughly 17-minute stoppage of the game.
The events that took place in Rabat were strongly condemned by CAF in the immediate aftermath.
“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).”
Disciplinary procedures were already in progress, according to the continent’s football governing body.
“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organizers. CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.”
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. He added: “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.
“The Royal Moroccan Football Federation announces that it will pursue legal action with the Confederation of African Football and FIFA to rule on the walk-off of the Senegalese national team from the field during the final against the Moroccan national team, as well as on the events surrounding this decision, following the referee’s awarding of a penalty that was deemed correct by all experts.”
The Moroccan FA further insisted that the incident had a direct impact on the contest.
“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 into extra time.
