Morocco’s football federation (FRMF) has announced it will appeal the disciplinary sanctions imposed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following last month’s chaotic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Senegal, which the hosts lost 1–0 after extra time. The development means Morocco challenges CAF disciplinary decisions arising from the controversial match.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the FRMF described the penalties as disproportionate to the “seriousness and gravity” of the incidents that occurred during the January 18 final. The match was disrupted for 14 minutes after Senegalese players walked off the pitch in protest of a VAR decision that disallowed a late goal, while crowd invasions and confrontations involving players and officials further marred the game.
CAF’s Disciplinary Committee banned Senegal coach Pape Thiaw for five matches and fined him $100,000 (£82,000) for ordering his players to leave the pitch. Senegal’s football federation was also fined $615,000 (£508,000) over the conduct of its players and supporters. In addition, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr received two-match suspensions for unsporting behaviour toward the referee.
Morocco’s appeal to have the match result overturned was earlier rejected by CAF. However, Morocco challenges CAF disciplinary decisions after also being fined a total of $315,000 (£260,000) for what CAF termed misconduct by Moroccan players, staff, and supporters, including the use of laser pointers and interference around the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) area.
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Captain Achraf Hakimi was handed a two-match suspension, with one match suspended for a year, while Ismael Saibari received a three-match ban. Both players were sanctioned for attempting to remove Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy’s towel during heavy rain.
“The FRMF will appeal the decisions in order to safeguard all rights guaranteed by law,” the federation said, pointing to the withdrawal of Senegalese players and the behaviour of their supporters as key grounds for contesting the rulings. The body insisted that Morocco challenges CAF disciplinary decisions in defence of sporting fairness and the integrity of the competition.
Despite the controversy, CAF described the tournament as a success, citing record revenues. The governing body also confirmed that the sanctions will apply across its competitions, bringing a sour end to what Morocco had hoped would be a victorious AFCON campaign on home soil.