African football is bracing for a decisive verdict within the next 48 hours as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) moves closer to resolving the controversy surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco.
CAF’s disciplinary committee has concluded an intensive investigation into the incidents that followed the highly charged final, examining a wide range of official reports and testimonies.
Match officials’ documents, security assessments, and observers’ reports were all reviewed as part of the process, alongside submissions from both the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and the Senegalese Football Federation.
The committee also heard statements from Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw and several players, as CAF sought to reconstruct the sequence of events that unfolded during and after the match.
The aim, according to sources familiar with the proceedings, was to gather comprehensive evidence before issuing a final and binding decision.
Media reports in Morocco indicate that the disciplinary body is expected to announce its ruling within 48 hours.
Possible sanctions under consideration reportedly include disciplinary action against Thiaw, who has been accused of contributing to the escalation of tensions by instructing his players to leave the pitch.
Additional penalties could target up to five Senegal players, while crowd-related sanctions against Senegalese supporters are also being discussed.
These measures could extend to restrictions on fan attendance at future major tournaments, including the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, as well as potential financial fines for the Senegalese federation.
In a separate statement, the Senegalese Football Federation confirmed that it appeared before CAF’s disciplinary committee earlier this week in response to a formal complaint lodged by Morocco.
The federation revealed that the committee chair set a 48-hour deadline to notify both parties of the final decision, heightening anticipation across the continent.
Senegal was represented at the hearing by its secretary general and legal advisor, while Thiaw attended alongside players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr to present their defense.
After reviewing all testimonies and legal submissions, the committee decided to deliberate behind closed doors before delivering its verdict.
The case stems from reports filed by the match officials following the AFCON final played on January 18, which cited incidents in and around the stadium after the final whistle.
Those reports prompted Morocco to formally request a full investigation, setting the stage for what could become one of the most consequential disciplinary rulings in recent African football history.
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