Sports

AFCON 2025 Final: CAF Suspends Hakimi, Thiaw, Fines Senegal, Morocco

Published

3 months ago

January 29, 2026

Editor

AFCON Scuffle among the Senegalese and Moroccan players during the AFCON final (AFP)

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed sanctions on the Senegalese and Moroccan football federations, as well as several players, following chaotic incidents that marred the 2025 African Cup of Nations final.

CAF announced that Senegal’s head coach, Pape Bouna Thiaw, has been suspended for five matches due to unsporting conduct. Additionally, player Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye received a two-match suspension for unsporting behaviour toward the referee.

“Mr Pape Bouna Thiaw was also fined USD 100,000,” the statement read.

CAF also decided to “suspend the Senegalese national team player, Mr Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye, for two (2) official CAF matches, for his unsporting behaviour towards the referee.

“To suspend Senegalese national team player, Mr Ismaila Sarr, for two (2) official CAF matches for his unsporting behaviour towards the referee.

“To fine the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), USD 300,000 for the improper conduct of its supporters, which brought the game into disrepute in violation of the CAF Disciplinary Code principles of fair play and integrity.

“To fine the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), USD 300,000 for the unsporting conduct of their players and technical staff in violation of the CAF Disciplinary Code principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity. The unsporting conduct of their players and the technical staff also brought the game into disrepute.

“To fine the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), USD 15,000 for the misconduct of its national team, due to five (5) of its players having received cautions.”

Morocco and PSG defender Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two matches, with one match suspended for one year, and midfielder Ismaël Saibari was suspended for three matches and fined $100,000 for unsporting behaviour. The final on January 18, 2026, at the Stade Mohammed V in Rabat ended in chaos. After Senegal had a goal disallowed and Morocco was awarded a last-minute penalty, Thiaw led his players off the pitch in protest.6*6

The game resumed, and after a penalty save by Senegal’s goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, Senegal won 1-0 in extra time with a goal from Pape Gueye. Both CAF and FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the events.

CAF also addressed a protest by the Moroccan federation over alleged regulatory violations by Senegal.

“The CAF Disciplinary Board rejected the protest lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football regarding alleged violations by the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, relating to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final,” the statement added.

Sports

UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies

Published

1 day ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.

Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.

Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.

According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.

“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.

“If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.

“You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.

“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”

Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.

Sports

Enabulele Lauds Okpebholo’s Bold Reforms As Edo Sports Witnesses Revival

Published

5 days ago

April 30, 2026

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as a bold and transformative approach to sports development.

Speaking on efforts to reposition sports in the state, Enabulele noted that with Okpebholo’s visionary leadership, the sector has witnessed renewed growth.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, the Edo Sports Commission boss attributed the progress to the governor’s strategic policies and sustained commitment to youth development, which he said have laid the foundation for a more structured and results-driven system.

“His Excellency has demonstrated clear vision and genuine commitment to sports development. The level of support we are receiving has significantly repositioned Edo as a competitive force in national sporting events,” he said.

He explained that targeted investments in grassroots development are already producing results, with a growing number of young talents being identified and nurtured across multiple disciplines.

“We are deliberately building from the grassroots. A large percentage of our athletes today are homegrown, which speaks to the sustainability of our development model,” Enabulele added.

The Commission, he noted, is also shifting away from an over-reliance on football to a broader multi-sport focus.

Edo State, he said, is now recording improved performances in athletics, combat sports, and other emerging areas.

“Our goal is to strengthen all sports. The results are beginning to show across different disciplines, and this is only the start,” he said.

Enabulele further pointed to ongoing improvements in sports infrastructure and athlete welfare as critical factors in sustaining performance and encouraging wider participation among young people.

“We are building a system that will endure. With the continued support of the governor, Edo is on course to becoming a dominant force in sports at both national and international levels,” he stated.

He expressed confidence that the current momentum would translate into greater achievements for Edo athletes, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to excellence, discipline, and long-term development.