Sports

CAF Suspends Hakimi, Thiaw, & Fines both Morocco and Senegal

Published

2 months ago

January 29, 2026

153 Views

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board has imposed significant sanctions on the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) and the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), along with several players and officials from both nations.

The penalties stem from incidents that occurred during and after the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final match, which violated the CAF Disciplinary Code, including breaches of fair play, loyalty, integrity, and respect for match officials.

The decisions were announced on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, following a review of disciplinary reports from the high-profile final held in Rabat, Morocco.Sanctions on the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF):

– A fine of USD 300,000 for the improper conduct of its supporters, which brought the game into disrepute.

– A fine of USD 300,000 for the unsporting conduct of its players and technical staff.

– A fine of USD 15,000 for team misconduct, due to five players receiving cautions (yellow cards).

– Total fines on FSF: Approximately USD 615,000.

Individual sanctions for Senegal include:

– Head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw suspended for five official CAF matches and fined USD 100,000 for unsporting conduct and bringing the game into disrepute (linked to events such as a brief team protest over a late VAR decision).

– Players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr each suspended for two official CAF matches for unsporting behavior toward the referee.

Sanctions on the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF):

– A fine of USD 200,000 for the inappropriate behavior of stadium ball boys during the match.

– A fine of USD 100,000 for the conduct of players and technical staff (including invading restricted areas).

– A fine of USD 15,000 for fans’ use of lasers (as reported in some summaries).

– Total fines on FRMF: Approximately USD 315,000.

Individual sanctions for Morocco include:

– Player Achraf Hakimi suspended for two CAF matches (with one potentially suspended for a year in some reports).

– Other players, such as Ismaël Saibari, facing suspensions of up to three matches and fines.

The CAF Disciplinary Board also reportedly rejected a formal protest from the FRMF alleging violations by Senegal, confirming Senegal’s status as AFCON 2025 champions.

These measures mark one of the stricter disciplinary responses in recent AFCON history, aimed at upholding the integrity of the competition amid the chaotic scenes that overshadowed the final.

Both federations have the option to appeal certain decisions through CAF processes.

Up Next

Arsenal wins $2.3m prize in FIFA Women’s Champions Cup

Don't Miss

Super Eagles captain Ndidi mourns father’s death

Click to comment

Sports

FIFA ranks Super Eagles third in Africa, 26th globally

Globally, France has reclaimed the number one spot after wins over Colombia and Brazil, overtaking Spain, which was held to a goalless draw by a ten-man Egypt. Argentina, England, Portugal, and Brazil round out the top six.

Published

14 hours ago

April 1, 2026

OCHEFA

20 Views

The world’s football body , FIFA, has ranked Nigeria’s Super Eagles third in Africa (behind Morocco and Senegal), and 26th globally.

In a post on FIFA’s website on Wednesday, the ranking reflects Nigeria’s strong performances in friendlies, including a 2‑1 win over Iran and a 2‑2 draw with Jordan, as well as their showing at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.

In the 2025 AFCON tournament, Nigeria won five matches against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Mozambique, and Algeria, drew with Morocco in the semi-finals, and defeated Egypt in the third-place playoff.

Other nations saw minor adjustments in the rankings.

Iran slipped from 20th to 21st following consecutive defeats, while Jordan moved up to 63rd after draws with Nigeria and Costa Rica.

Sports

FirstBank Sponsors Samuel Okwaraji U-16 Football Championship 2026

The tournament will engage secondary schools from all 36 states and the FCT, in a two-stage competition.

Published

19 hours ago

April 1, 2026

OCHEFA

24 Views

FirstBank, through its First@Sports initiative, is sponsoring the maiden edition of the Samuel Okwaraji Under 16 Football Championship.

The competition is a nationwide youth football tournament organised to honour the late Samuel Okwaraji, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated football legends renowned for his patriotism, discipline, and commitment to national service.

The tournament will engage secondary schools from all 36 states and the FCT, in a two-stage competition.

The first stage will feature zonal eliminations across the six geopolitical zones, followed by a national final in Abuja featuring the top 12 qualifying teams.

In a statement , the Managing Director/ CEO of FirstBank, Olusegun Alebiosu, said: “Football is the strongest unifier of Nigerians. It brings communities together, inspires discipline, and nurtures talents across the country.

FirstBank is making a deliberate incursion into grassroots football development with this sponsorship, creating an enabling environment for the next generation of Samuel Okwarajis to discover, refine, and maximise their potential, thereby shaping the future of Nigerian football.”

In his remarks, Senator Osita Izunaso, the Chairman of the Championship Organising Committee commended FirstBank for throwing its weight around the championship.

Sports

Sportsville Awards: Olopade Leads NSC Delegation to Honour Dikko with Transformative Impact Award

Published

2 days ago

March 31, 2026

Charles Flames

46 Views

The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, on Tuesday led a high-powered delegation from the Commission to the prestigious Sportsville Awards in Lagos to honour NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko.

Dikko is set to receive the Transformative Impact Award at the 2026 edition of the Sportsville Special Recognition Awards, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contributions to repositioning Nigerian sports.

The NSC delegation’s presence underscored the Commission’s unity and support for its Chairman, who has been widely praised for driving reforms, fostering inclusivity, and delivering renewed optimism in Nigerian sports administration alongside Olopade.

Former NPFL scribe Salihu Abubakar and other stakeholders have already extended congratulations to Dikko, describing the nomination as well-deserved.

Stakeholders, including Dr. Danladi Bako, have lauded Sportsville as one of the most authentic sports awards in the country, commending the organisers for recognising genuine impact in the sector.

The sixth edition of the Sportsville Awards, which also featured former Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, as a top guest, celebrates excellence and transformative contributions across Nigeria’s sporting ecosystem.

Other nominees include Hon. Itiako Ikpokpo and several prominent figures in sports development.

Hon. Olopade, who himself was recently crowned Sports Administrator of the Year at the New Telegraph Awards, dedicated previous honours to President Bola Tinubu and Chairman Dikko, highlighting the collaborative leadership driving Nigeria’s sports renaissance.

Mallam Shehu Dikko’s leadership at the NSC has been credited with major gains in infrastructure, athlete welfare, and international competitiveness, marking a turning point for Nigerian sports.

The event is expected to draw key stakeholders from the sports industry, government, and private sector as it honours individuals making lasting contributions to the development of sports in Nigeria.

Full coverage and reactions from the awards ceremony are anticipated as the night unfolds in Lagos.