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Just in: CAF Suspends Hakimi Over Morocco Vs Senegal AFCON 2025 Final Fracas
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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a sweeping set of disciplinary actions against the Senegalese and Moroccan football federations, as well as several players and officials, following the chaotic scenes that marred the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat.
In a statement released on Wednesday, January 28, CAF confirmed that the punishments stem from breaches of its Disciplinary Code, including violations of fair play, loyalty and integrity during and after the title clash.
The final, played at the Stade Mohammed V on January 18, 2026, spiralled into controversy in the closing minutes of normal time. With the score locked at 0-0, Senegal had a goal ruled out for offside before a VAR review awarded hosts Morocco a penalty deep into stoppage time.
Furious at the decision, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw led his players off the pitch in protest, triggering heated scenes that required security intervention.
After a lengthy delay, the Senegalese side returned to the field, and Morocco’s penalty was saved by Édouard Mendy, sending the match into extra time.
Senegal eventually clinched the title when Pape Gueye struck early in the first half of extra time. The disorder drew condemnation at the time from both CAF and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Full Breakdown of CAF’s Disciplinary Ruling on the AFCON 2025 Fallout
CAF imposed a series of fines and suspensions on Senegal, citing misconduct by players, officials and supporters.
USD 15,000 for team misconduct, linked to five yellow cards received in the final
Total fines: USD 615,000
Suspensions and Individual Sanctions
CAF suspended Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw for five official CAF matches, citing unsporting conduct.
“Mr Pape Bouna Thiaw was also fined USD 100,000,” the statement read.
Players Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each handed two-match suspensions for unsporting behaviour towards the referee.
Morocco and its federation were also punished for conduct during the final.
Fines
USD 200,000 for the inappropriate behaviour of stadium ball boys
USD 100,000 for improper conduct by players and technical staff who invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee
USD 15,000 for the use of lasers by Moroccan supporters
Total fines: USD 315,000
Suspensions and Individual Sanctions
Defender Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two official CAF matches for unsporting behaviour, with one match suspended for one year from the date of the ruling.
Midfielder Ismaël Saibari received a three-match suspension and an additional USD 100,000 fine for unsporting behaviour.
Morocco’s Protest Rejected, Senegal Confirmed as Champions
CAF also addressed a protest filed by the Moroccan federation, which alleged that Senegal breached Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations.
“The CAF Disciplinary Board rejected the protest lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football regarding alleged violations by the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, relating to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final,” the statement added.
The decision confirms Senegal as the rightful AFCON 2025 champions, ending speculation over a possible title reversal.
Bruno Fernandes has been announcd the Premier League Player of the Season following an outstanding campaign with Manchester United.Soccer
The Portuguese midfielder, who captains the club, added the latest honour to an already impressive season after previously winning the Football Writers’ Association Men’s Player of the Year award earlier this month.
Fernandes played a crucial role in United’s strong league campaign, helping the Red Devils finish third and secure qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
The 31-year-old matched the Premier League record for assists in a single season after providing his 20th assist during United’s clash against Nottingham Forest last weekend.
In addition to his creativity, Fernandes also contributed eight league goals in 37 appearances for Manchester United this season.
No player in the Premier League created more chances than Fernandes, who recorded an impressive 132 chances — 43 more than the next closest player, Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool FC.
Fernandes becomes the first Manchester United player to win the prestigious award since former defender Nemanja Vidić claimed it in 2011.
The award was decided through a combination of public voting and selections made by a panel of football experts.
Other players shortlisted for the honour included David Raya, Gabriel Magalhães, Declan Rice, Erling Haaland, Antoine Semenyo, Igor Thiago and Morgan Gibbs-White.
Manchester United will round off their Premier League season with an away fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion FC on Sunday.
UEFA on Thursday named the Europa League Team of the Season following the conclusion of the competition on Wednesday.
Recall that Aston Villa won the Europa League after beating Freiburg 3-0 in the final in Turkey.
However, UEFA’s Technical Observer Group has now selected its 2025/26 Europa League Team of the Season.
Aston Villa have four players in the official Europa League Team of the Season.
Here is the team in full:
Goalkeeper
Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa)
Defenders
Victor Gómez (Braga)
Matthias Ginter (Freiburg)
Morato (Nottingham Forest)
Oscar Mingueza (Celta)
Midfielders
Maximilian Eggestein (Freiburg)
John McGinn (Aston Villa)
Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
Forwards
Antony (Real Betis)
Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest)
Emiliano Buendía (Aston Villa)
No fewer than four Arsenal stars could be playing their last Premier League match for the club this weekend.
The Gunners close out their title-winning campaign when they take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta’s men were confirmed champions on Tuesday night, following Manchester City’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth.
Arsenal will now receive their trophy against Palace.
However, some members of the current squad may be sold when the next transfer window arrives.
Christian Norgaard could be heading out of the door, despite only joining Arsenal last summer from Brentford.
Arteta has left Norgaard out of the last two matchday squads and the Danish midfielder might have to seek new pastures.
Ben White, who is currently injured, has also been linked with Everton.
Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz are now undoubtedly ahead of Gabriel Jesus in the pecking order and the Brazilian striker could depart in search of more playing time.
Myles Lewis-Skelly is less likely to leave than Jesus and Trossard, despite starting only four league fixtures, he has also been linked with a shock move to Manchester United.
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