AFCON 2025: CAF Sanctions Spark Outrage in Morocco, Fans Feel ‘Robbed at Home’

The Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) disciplinary verdict following the stormy 2025 AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco has triggered outrage in the host nation, according to Afrik Foot.

Instead of calming tensions, the website reports, the ruling has reignited anger, confusion, and a sense of injustice across Moroccan media and social networks.

Many fans had hoped Senegal would be stripped of the title after their players briefly walked off the pitch in protest during added time.

Instead, CAF handed out suspensions to Senegal coach Pape Thiaw and players Ismaïla Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye, alongside a hefty fine.

Morocco, meanwhile, saw Achraf Hakimi and Ismaël Saibari sanctioned in the infamous ‘towel case,’ with additional penalties for ball boys, VAR intrusion, and laser use in the stands.

On social media, frustration boiled over. The FRMF Xtra account captured the mood with a viral post: “We feel exactly the same as the day we lost the AFCON final. Disgusted.” Calls for an official response from the Moroccan Football Federation grew louder, with silence interpreted as abandonment of supporters.

Journalists who had suggested Senegal risked losing the title faced backlash, accused of “selling dreams” to fans. Youssef Temsemani, who claimed “from a reliable source” that Senegal could be stripped of the trophy, was singled out for criticism.

The Moroccan press also condemned the verdict. Le360 argued CAF avoided addressing the most serious act, Senegal’s walk-off and match interruption, instead punishing ‘peripheral behaviour.’

By contrast, Morocco was hit with cumulative sanctions, which the outlet described as an attempt to ‘politically balance’ responsibility at the expense of the host nation.

The controversy shows no sign of fading. Discussions of an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) are already underway.