Raymond Hack, the former Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), criticized the sanctions issued in connection with the incidents that accompanied the African final between Morocco and Senegal.
Hack largely held the Senegal coach Pape Thiaw largely responsible for what transpired.
I have reviewed the CAF Disciplinary Committee’s decision, and I must be frank: I feel they have let African football down with this ruling. The entire incident stemmed from the conduct of the Senegalese coach. Imposing a $300,000 fine along with a five-match suspension in official CAF competitions is, in my view, an incorrect decision. Everything that happened was triggered by this individual leading his players off the pitch and preventing them from continuing the match. This subsequently provoked reactions from the supporters as well as from players on both teams—something that should never have occurred. When players study the rules and agree to play football, they understand that the referee’s decision is final. Whether you believe the referee is right, wrong, or even biased, you are obliged to comply with his decision.
Raymond Hack, former Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF)
Hack further stated that the sanctions imposed were weak and lacked any real deterrent effect, insisting that they should have been more severe.
“The referee should have taken firm action against the players who confronted him during the VAR review and those who surrounded him while interfering with his decisions. Red cards should have been shown. The fact that these players received only two-match suspensions for bringing the game into disrepute is hardly significant. After all, a player who receives a red card or accumulates two yellow cards is typically suspended for two matches. It seems people forget that the coach is a figure everyone looks up to—especially children.”
He continued: “Now people are asking, if this is how the Confederation of African Football handles such matters, what should we expect going forward? This is entirely wrong. CAF has worked hard to improve its image, but when you consider that the winning team received ten million dollars and the runner-up earned four million, a $300,000 fine becomes almost negligible. Personally, had I been present, I would have called for a suspension of no less than six months from all football-related activities under any circumstances. The fact that he now has the opportunity to participate in the World Cup is, in my opinion, completely inappropriate. This sends the wrong message—that CAF is not firm enough in enforcing discipline. I strongly disagree with their approach. I believe the chairperson of the committee, a Kenyan official, had the option to impose a far heavier fine in an effort to restore CAF’s image. These national teams competed under CAF’s authority, the governing body responsible for organizing and overseeing the competition, and it fulfilled all necessary obligations in that regard. I would also like to clarify that I am not justifying the behavior of either the Moroccan or Senegalese players. What they did was entirely wrong, but I firmly believe that stricter measures should have been taken against all parties involved.”
Following the CAF’s disciplinary decision in the chaotic TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco, four players were penalized.
The final was marred by violence at the death of normal time after DR Congo referee awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review.
Senegal’s Illman Ndiaye who features for Everton in the Premier League and Ismail Sarr who also plays in England were slapped with two match bans each for unsporting behaviour towards the referee.
From Morocco, captain Achraf Hakimi of PSG and his midfielder Ismael Saibari were slapped with bans with the latter also handed a cash fine of USD 100,000.
Pape Bouna Thiaw was also fined USD 100,000 and suspended for five matches.
Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), USD 300,000 for the improper conduct of its supporters, which brought the game into disrepute in violation of the CAF Disciplinary Code principles of fair play and integrity.
Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) was also fined USD 300,000 for the unsporting conduct of their players and technical staff in violation of the CAF Disciplinary Code principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity.
The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) was fined USD 15,000 for the misconduct of its National Team, due to five (5) of its players having received cautions.
Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) was fined USD 200,000, for the inappropriate behavior of the stadium’s ball boys during the aforementioned match.
Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) was fined USD 100,000 for the improper conduct of their National Team players and technical staff, who invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee’s work, in violation of the principles of fair play and integrity, as stated in Articles 82 and 83 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.
Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) was fined USD 15,000 for the use of lasers by its supporters during the aforementioned match.
