The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco was one of the most contentious in recent history regarding officiating. While the tournament showcased high-level football, it was overshadowed by a series of refereeing scandals that culminated in a chaotic final between Senegal and Morocco on January 18, 2026.
Here is a breakdown of the primary refereeing problems that defined the tournament:
1. The Final: Chaos in Rabat
The final match saw unprecedented scenes that nearly led to the game being abandoned.
The Disallowed Goal: In stoppage time, Senegal’s Ismaïla Sarr scored what appeared to be the winning goal. However, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala disallowed it for a "soft" foul by Abdoulaye Seck on Achraf Hakimi. Critics argued Ndala blew his whistle too early, preventing VAR from properly reviewing the play.
The "Imaginary" Penalty: Minutes later, a VAR review awarded Morocco a penalty for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. The Senegalese team, convinced of a pro-host bias, staged a walk-off protest that delayed the match for approximately 20 minutes.
VAR Audio Leak: Post-tournament reports surfaced of leaked VAR audio where Ndala reportedly said, "They've decided to withdraw, I'll end the match," only to be allegedly instructed by CAF officials to wait—raising questions about external influence on match officials.
2. Allegations of Host Nation Bias
A recurring theme throughout the knockout stages was the perception that referees favored the hosts, Morocco.
Quarter-Final vs. Cameroon: Cameroon was denied what many experts called a "clear penalty" for a foul on Bryan Mbeumo. CAF made the unusual move of replacing the originally appointed referee for this match just before kickoff, citing "neutrality concerns," which only fueled further suspicion.
Semi-Final vs. Nigeria: Nigerian players and fans heavily criticized the officiating, specifically a yellow card given to Calvin Bassey in a situation where he appeared to be the one fouled.
3. General Inconsistency and VAR Failures
The "high standard" of VAR seen in the 2023 edition (Ivory Coast) was noticeably absent in 2025.
Technical Malfunctions: During a group stage match between Benin and DR Congo, a VAR malfunction reportedly prevented a handball penalty from being reviewed.
Referee Dismissals: CAF took the rare step of dismissing two referees—Boubou Traoré (Mali) and Abdou Abdel Mefire (Cameroon)—mid-tournament due to "unsatisfactory performances," a move intended to restore credibility that instead highlighted the depth of the problem.
4. Disciplinary Fallout
The refereeing issues led to a breakdown in player and official conduct:
Samuel Eto’o, President of the Cameroonian Federation, received a four-match ban and a $20,000 fine for "inappropriate conduct" toward officials after their loss to Morocco.
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) was fined $100,000 following a heated quarter-final loss to Nigeria, where players confronted officials in the tunnel.
Despite the "officiating red card" given by many pundits, Senegal eventually returned to the pitch in the final, saved the penalty, and won 1–0 in extra time to claim their second title.
Would you like me to look into the specific sanctions CAF has handed out to the players involved in the final's walk-off?
The 2025 AFCON final walk-off triggered one of the most significant disciplinary investigations in the history of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). While Senegal lifted the trophy on the pitch, the legal battle in the boardrooms is far from over.
Following the chaotic scene in Rabat, CAF and FIFA have initiated a comprehensive review of the match footage. Here is the current status of the sanctions and legal proceedings as of late January 2026:
1. Disciplinary Proceedings Against Senegal
CAF officially launched an investigation on January 19, 2026, targeting the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) for "unacceptable and inappropriate" behavior.
Pape Thiaw (Coach): The mastermind behind the walk-off faces a potential 4 to 6-match suspension from CAF and FIFA competitions. He has since publicly apologized, but FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s condemnation suggests a high likelihood of a severe penalty to deter future protests.
The "Abandonment" Clause: Morocco has filed a formal legal appeal citing Article 82 of the CAF Statutes, which mandates that any team leaving the field without the referee's permission should be disqualified. However, because Senegal returned after 15 minutes and the match was completed, legal experts believe a retroactive forfeiture is unlikely, though a massive financial fine (exceeding $100,000) is expected.
Player Suspensions: Individual players identified as primary instigators of the walk-off or who engaged in clashes with stadium security are being reviewed. This could impact Senegal's squad availability for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
2. Morocco’s Security & Management Review
As the host nation, Morocco is also under scrutiny for the breakdown of order during the final:
Stadium Security: CAF is investigating the collapse of advertising hoardings and the subsequent deployment of riot police.
Ball Boy & Staff Conduct: Footage showed Moroccan ball boys and substitutes attempting to interfere with Senegal’s goalkeeper, Édouard Mendy, specifically trying to take a towel he was using in wet conditions.
3. Comparison: Sanctions Already Handed Out
To put the scale of potential penalties in context, CAF recently handed down heavy sanctions for other incidents earlier in the tournament:
Entity,Offense,Sanction
Algerian Federation,Tunnel clashes & supporter gestures,"$100,000 Fine"
Rafik Belghali (ALG),Aggression toward referee,4-Match Ban (2 suspended)
Samuel Eto'o (CMR),Pressure on officials,"4-Match Ban & $20,000 Fine"
Note: The most significant threat to Senegal is not losing the title, but the potential for coach Pape Thiaw and key players to be banned from the first few matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup later this year.
As of January 24, 2026, the official ruling on Senegal coach Pape Thiaw is still in the "deliberation" phase, but a verdict is expected in the coming days.
While there have been conflicting reports, here is the verified status of the disciplinary proceedings:
1. The Official Status: "No Suspension Yet"
Despite viral social media rumors and some early reports claiming Thiaw had already been banned, CAF and independent fact-checkers confirmed on January 21, 2026, that no official sanction has been handed down yet.
The Probe: CAF is currently reviewing all match footage and referee reports.
The Defense: Thiaw issued a formal apology on January 22 via Instagram, calling the walk-off an "emotional reaction to the bias of the situation" and stating his intent was to "protect his players."
2. The Expected Sanction (Based on Precedents)
International sports law experts and journalists (including Romain Molina) suggest that the "Decision in Principle" has already been made to suspend Thiaw. The debate now is the length and scope of the ban:
The "Molina Report": Rumors suggest a potential 4 to 6-match suspension.
World Cup Implications: Because this occurred in a CAF-organized final, there is a fierce legal debate over whether the ban will apply only to CAF competitions (like the next AFCON qualifiers) or extend to FIFA competitions (specifically the 2026 World Cup in June).
3. The "Mane Factor" and Mitigating Circumstances
One factor that might lower the severity of the punishment is the intervention of Sadio Mané. Footage being reviewed by the Disciplinary Board shows Mané actively persuading his teammates and coach to return to the pitch.
Legal Note: Because the team returned within 15–16 minutes and finished the match, CAF is likely to classify the incident as "Unsporting Behavior" (Article 11) rather than "Abandonment" (Article 82). Abandonment carries an automatic disqualification and multi-year ban, whereas Unsporting Behavior usually results in a match ban and a heavy fine.
4. Other Pending Sanctions
Senegal Football Federation (FSF): Facing a massive fine, potentially exceeding $100,000.
Individual Players: Abdoulaye Seck and El Hadji Malick Diouf are under review for their specific roles in the sideline confrontations.
The Host (Morocco): CAF is also investigating the "unacceptable behavior" of Moroccan ball boys and stadium security to ensure a balanced disciplinary outcome.
Current Verdict Status: PENDING (Expected by Jan 28-30).
As of January 24, 2026, the official ruling on Senegal coach Pape Thiaw and his players remains in the final stages of deliberation by the CAF Disciplinary Board.While no final sentence has been published on the official CAF website today, here is the current verified status of the case and the sanctions being finalized:1. The Verdict TimelineStatus: Decision Pending.Expected Date: Reliable sources within CAF and journalists such as Romain Molina indicate the final verdict will be announced between January 28 and January 30, 2026.Fact Check: Viral reports claiming he has already been banned for 6 months are currently false. CAF confirmed on January 21 that while proceedings are open, "no official sanctions have yet been announced."2. The Case Against Pape ThiawThe investigation is focusing on Thiaw as the "main instigator" of the 17-minute walk-off.Likely Sanction: A suspension of 4 to 6 matches.The World Cup Threat: The biggest point of contention is whether this ban applies to the 2026 FIFA World Cup (starting June 11). Since the next official matches for the "Lions of Teranga" are World Cup fixtures, any multi-match ban handed down by CAF and ratified by FIFA would see Thiaw sidelined for the group stages in North America.3. Pending Player SanctionsCAF is reviewing individual footage to identify players who engaged in "unsportsmanlike conduct" during the tunnel scuffle and the walk-off:El Hadji Malick Diouf: Under review for his role in the physical altercations following the penalty decision.Abdoulaye Seck & Ismaïla Sarr: Both are being investigated for "vehement behavior" toward referee Jean-Jacques Ndala.Potential Penalty: Individual bans of 2 to 4 matches and fines of approximately $10,000 per player.4. Mitigating FactorsSenegal’s defense rests on two main points to reduce the severity of the punishment:The "Return to Play": Because the team returned within the "grace period" (roughly 15–20 minutes) and the match was completed, they are fighting to have the incident classified as "Unsporting Behavior" rather than "Match Abandonment." Abandonment would have carried a mandatory 2-year ban from CAF competitions.The Sadio Mané Defense: CAF has noted that senior players, led by Mané, actively worked to de-escalate the situation and bring the team back, which may save the Federation from the maximum possible fine.Summary Table: Expected vs. Maximum PenaltiesIndividual/EntityExpected SanctionMaximum PossiblePape Thiaw4-6 Match Ban1-Year Global BanFSF (Senegal Fed)$100,000 Fine$500,000 + Point DeductionKey Players2-Match Ban4-Match Ban.
As of January 24, 2026, the official ruling on Pape Thiaw and the Senegalese players is still being finalized by the CAF Disciplinary Board. While the investigation is active, there has been a significant amount of "fake news" regarding his immediate suspension that has since been debunked.Here is the precise, up-to-the-minute status of the sanctions:1. Current Ruling Status: "Under Review"No Official Ban Yet: Contrary to viral social media reports from earlier this week, CAF officially confirmed on January 21 that Pape Thiaw has not been suspended yet.The "Principle" of Suspension: According to investigative journalist Romain Molina, the Disciplinary Committee has decided in principle to issue a suspension, but the specific number of matches is still being debated.Next Update: A formal announcement is expected between January 28 and January 30, 2026.2. The Case Against Thiaw & PlayersThe investigation is focusing on the 14 to 17-minute stoppage caused by the walk-off.Pape Thiaw: Faces a likely suspension of 4 to 6 matches. The primary concern for Senegal is whether FIFA will extend this ban to the 2026 World Cup in June.El Hadji Malick Diouf: The player involved in the penalty foul is under specific scrutiny for his reaction toward the referee.Abdoulaye Seck: Investigated for his conduct following his disallowed goal earlier in the second half.3. Thiaw’s Public DefenseOn January 22, Pape Thiaw issued a formal statement on social media to mitigate the coming sanctions:"I apologize for the sake of football... In hindsight, I really shouldn't have told my players to come off. We can react in the heat of the moment, but we must respect the game."4. Comparison to Other AFCON 2025 PenaltiesTo see where the "bar" has been set, look at the sanctions CAF handed out just yesterday (January 23) for similar misconduct:Algeria's Rafik Belghali: Received a 4-match ban for "intimidating behavior" toward a referee.Algerian Federation (FAF): Fined $100,000 for team and supporter misconduct.Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon): Given a 4-match stadium ban for "violating principles of sportsmanship."Summary of What’s ComingPartyStatusLikely PenaltyPape ThiawPending Decision4-6 Match BanSenegal TeamUnder Investigation$100,000+ FineKey PlayersUnder Video Review2-4 Match Ban.
As of January 24, 2026, the official ruling from the CAF Disciplinary Board regarding Pape Thiaw and the Senegal national team remains in a state of high-stakes deliberation.While the board has not released the final "signed and sealed" document, several critical updates have emerged today:1. The Verdict Status: "Deliberation Phase"The Announcement Window: Internal sources at CAF headquarters in Cairo indicate the final verdict is being drafted and is scheduled for public release between Wednesday, January 28, and Friday, January 30.Fact Check: Some reports (e.g., from World Soccer Talk) suggest a suspension has already begun, but CAF clarified that this is currently a provisional review. No definitive number of matches has been entered into the official record yet.2. The Legal "Battleground"The delay in the ruling is due to a fierce legal debate between CAF and FIFA lawyers:The Scope of the Ban: Senegal is arguing that any suspension should only apply to CAF-governed matches (AFCON qualifiers).The FIFA Intervention: FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s public condemnation has put pressure on CAF to ensure the ban is "comprehensive." If the suspension is 6 months or longer, Thiaw would be legally barred from the touchline during the 2026 World Cup in June.3. Key Figures Under the MicroscopeThe investigation has narrowed its focus to three specific groups:Pape Thiaw: Faces a proposed 4 to 8-match ban. His public apology on January 22 is being considered as a "mitigating factor."El Hadji Malick Diouf & Abdoulaye Seck: These players are under review for "aggressive physical proximity" to referee Jean-Jacques Ndala. They are facing potential 2 to 3-match bans.The Moroccan Federation: In a move for "procedural balance," CAF is also investigating Moroccan stadium security and ball-boy conduct to address Senegal's counter-claims of a "hostile environment."4. Financial PenaltiesThe Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) is reportedly bracing for a record-breaking fine. Estimates from the Disciplinary Committee suggest a penalty in the range of $150,000 to $200,000 for the "unprecedented disruption of a major final."Summary Table: What to expect on WednesdayPartyPotential SanctionImpactPape Thiaw6-Match BanLikely misses World Cup Group StageSenegal FSF$180,000 FineHighest fine in AFCON historyM. Diouf (Player)3-Match BanMisses next 3 competitive games.
As of January 24, 2026, the official ruling on Senegal coach Pape Thiaw and the Senegalese players remains in the final "deliberative" phase. While no official number of matches has been published by CAF today, the situation has become a high-stakes legal battle between the confederation and the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).Here is the updated status of the proceedings:1. Ruling Status: Expected Next WeekThe Announcement Window: Internal sources at CAF headquarters indicate the final Disciplinary Board decision will be made public between Wednesday, January 28, and Friday, January 30, 2026.Fact Check: Reports circulated on January 19–21 claiming a ban was already in effect; however, CAF and independent fact-checkers (like GhanaFact) have confirmed these were premature. No official sanctions have been signed as of this morning.2. The Case Against Pape ThiawThe investigation is treating Thiaw as the primary instigator of the 17-minute walk-off.Potential Suspension: Analysts expect a ban of 4 to 6 matches.The World Cup Threat: FIFA President Gianni Infantino has personally condemned the "unacceptable scenes." The biggest risk for Senegal is whether the ban will extend to the 2026 World Cup in North America this June. If the ban is match-based rather than time-based, Thiaw could miss the entire group stage.3. Morocco’s Legal OffensiveThe Moroccan Federation (FRMF) has escalated the situation by filing a formal legal complaint with both CAF and FIFA.Their Argument: Morocco argues that the walk-off was not just a protest but a calculated disruption that "materially impacted the momentum" of the match, leading to Brahim Díaz missing his penalty and Morocco losing their focus before extra time.The "Abandonment" Clause: Morocco is pushing for the maximum penalty under Article 82, which technically mandates a 3–0 forfeit for teams that leave the pitch. However, legal experts believe this is unlikely to be granted since Senegal returned and completed the game.4. Mitigating Factors for SenegalSenegal is building their defense on two key points:Refereeing Provocation: They are presenting footage of the disallowed goal by Abdoulaye Seck as proof of "systemic bias" that led to the emotional breakdown.Sadio Mané’s Intervention: Footage shows Mané was the one who actually convinced the team to return. CAF is reportedly viewing this as a sign that the players eventually prioritized the game, even if the coaching staff did not.Summary of Pending SanctionsIndividual/EntityCurrent StatusExpected PenaltyPape Thiaw (Coach)Under Review4-6 Match BanFSF (Senegal Fed)Investigation Open$150,000+ FineEl Hadji Malick DioufVideo Review2-3 Match Ban.