MOROCCO TO APPEAL AFCON FINES AFTER CHAOS AT FINAL

Following the tumultuous circumstances at the Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal last month, Morocco's football federation announced that it would appeal the disciplinary punishments and fines issued by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Last month, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was hit with a $315,000 fine in addition to two player suspensions. Citing "non-conformity of these sanctions with the extent and seriousness of the incidents that occurred," the FRMF said in a statement that it will file an appeal "in order to preserve all rights guaranteed by the regulations."

After an Ismaila Sarr goal was disallowed for a foul on 2025 African player of the year Achraf Hakimi late in regular time, the AFCON final on January 18 took a dramatic turn.

Then, after striker Brahim Diaz was fouled, Morocco was given a penalty, which sparked enraged Senegalese protests. Morocco missed the long-delayed penalty after Edouard Mendy stopped Diaz's feeble attempt. Senegal won their second AFCON championship after Pape Gueye scored in extra time.

Before police and security personnel interfered, some Senegal supporters launched objects, and others briefly occupied the pitch when play was stopped due to the contested penalty.

Morocco's "inappropriate behaviour of the stadium ball boys" resulted in a $200,000 fine. The "improper conduct" of players and technical staff who entered the VAR review room and impeded the Congolese referee's work resulted in another $100,000 fine.