The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 final between Senegal and hosts Morocco has triggered parallel disciplinary scrutiny from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA following scenes that disrupted the closing stages of the match and delayed its conclusion by almost 20 minutes.

CAF confirmed on Monday that it has opened a formal review into the conduct of players, officials and supporters after protests erupted late in normal time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The continental body said it was examining all available footage and would refer the matter to its disciplinary structures.

“The Confédération Africaine de Football condemns the unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat last night,” CAF said in a statement. “CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.”

The final was goalless deep into stoppage time when Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review for a challenge on Brahim Diaz. The decision sparked strong protests from Senegalese players, most of whom walked off the pitch in anger after an earlier Senegal goal had been disallowed for a foul. Senegal captain Sadio Mane remained on the field and appealed to his teammates to return.

Tensions also spilled into the stands as some Senegal supporters attempted to enter the field of play, leading to clashes with security personnel and the throwing of objects. After order was restored, Diaz took the penalty in the 24th minute of stoppage time, but his attempted chip was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, keeping the score at 0-0 and forcing extra time.

Senegal eventually secured a 1-0 victory through a Pape Gueye goal in the fourth minute of extra time to claim their second AFCON title in recent years, though the celebrations were overshadowed by the incidents.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino added to the pressure for disciplinary action, condemning the conduct of players, officials and supporters. “We strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members. It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner,” Infantino said in a statement as reported by AFP. “It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport; it is simply not right.”

While congratulating Senegal on their victory and praising Morocco’s hosting of the tournament, Infantino stressed the need for respect for match officials. “We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play,” he said. “Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.”

He warned that the images from the final sent the wrong message to supporters worldwide, adding: “It is also the responsibility of teams and players to act responsibly and set the right example for fans in the stadiums and millions watching around the world. The ugly scenes witnessed today must be condemned and never repeated.”
Morocco head coach Walid Regragui also criticised the incidents, describing them as “shameful” and saying they did not “honour Africa” in his post-match comments.

CAF’s investigation comes against the backdrop of wider tensions during the tournament, including earlier complaints from Senegal over logistics and allegations of biased officiating following Morocco’s semi-final against Nigeria.

With both CAF and FIFA now publicly engaged, the focus has shifted to how African football’s governing bodies will enforce discipline and restore confidence in officiating and match control at the continent’s flagship tournament.