The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) announced Tuesday that it would appeal the sanctions imposed by the African Confederation following the incidents which marked the final of the African Cup of Nations (CAN) won by Senegal against Morocco.

Senegal won 1-0 after extra time at the end of a chaotic match punctuated by incidents on January 18 in Rabat.

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A penalty awarded to the host country in added time of the second half, after consulting the video referee, just after a disallowed goal in Senegal, led to the departure from the field of some of the Senegalese players encouraged by their coach, Pape Thiaw. They finally returned at the request of team star Sadio Mané.

Tensions spread to the stands where Senegalese supporters tried to invade the pitch for nearly 15 minutes,even when Moroccan player Brahim Diaz was preparing to take his penalty,which he missed.

CAF reacts

At the end of January, CAF imposed a series of disciplinary sanctions on the two federations for unsporting behavior and violations of the principles of fair play.

In a press release, the FRMF considered on Tuesday that the sanctions against it were “non-compliant” with “the scale and seriousness of the incidents that occured”announcing that he wanted to appeal.

These sanctions, which only apply to competitions organized“`html

African Football’s Unprecedented Crackdown: Senegal and Morocco Hit with Massive Fines and Player Bans

In a move that has sent shockwaves thru the international football community, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has levied some of its most severe sanctions to date against the national football federations of Senegal and Morocco. These penalties, stemming from incidents during recent high-stakes matches, will have immediate and far-reaching consequences, including significant financial penalties and suspensions for key players, impacting the upcoming qualifying campaigns for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Senegal Faces Over $600,000 in Fines and Player Suspensions

The Senegalese Football Federation has been hit with a staggering total fine of $615,000. This considerable financial penalty underscores the seriousness with which CAF is treating the infractions. Beyond the federation’s coffers, individual sanctions have also been imposed on prominent figures within the Senegalese team.

Head coach Pape Thiaw has received a significant five-match suspension, coupled with a hefty fine of $100,000. This sideline ban will undoubtedly disrupt the team’s strategic planning and coaching presence during crucial upcoming fixtures. Furthermore, two of Senegal’s star attackers, who ply their trade in the highly competitive English Premier League, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr, have each been suspended for two matches. For U.S. sports fans accustomed to seeing these players in action, this means they’ll miss key international contests.

Morocco’s Sanctions: From Ball boys to VAR Invasions

the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) is not escaping unscathed, facing a combined fine of $300,000 for a series of incidents. A significant portion of this, $200,000, was levied due to the unsportsmanlike conduct of ball boys who were found to have stolen the Senegalese goalkeeper’s towel. This seemingly minor act has been amplified by CAF as a breach of fair play and respect.

An additional $100,000 fine was imposed on the FRMF for what CAF deemed inappropriate behavior by players and staff. Allegations include invading the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) examination area and obstructing the referee’s duties – actions that directly challenge the integrity of the game’s officiating.The use of lasers by supporters also contributed to the sanctions,resulting in a further $15,000 fine.

On an individual level, Morocco