Achraf Hakimi and Ismaël Saibari have been banned by CAF for misconduct
Moroccan duo, Achraf Hakimi, Ismaël Saibari have received punitive sanctions from the Disciplinary Commi9ttee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for misconduct during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat.
Ismaël Saibari, pictured alongside ball boys and stewards on Sunday, January 18, 2026, was caught on tape for trying to steal Mendy’s towel while the game was going on at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Captain Achraf Hakimi was also caught on tape throwing Mendy’s towel away after he was signaled by the stewards and Moroccan fans to take it while the Atlas Lions were preparing to take a corner kick.
Hakimi was suspended for two official CAF matches, including one for a one-year probationary period.
Midfielder Ismaël Saibari received a three-match suspension and a USD 100,000 fine for unsporting behaviour.
The Moroccan FA was fined USD 200,000 over the inappropriate conduct of stadium ball boys during the final.
CAF further imposed a USD 100,000 fine for the improper behaviour of Moroccan players and technical officials who invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee’s work.
An additional USD 15,000 fine was imposed on the Moroccan FA for supporters’ use of lasers inside the stadium.
About the Game
Ismaila Sarr’s goal was disallowed after the referee ruled that there had been a foul on Achraf Hakimi prior to the cross that led to the goal.
In a dramatic turn of events, the host nation was awarded a penalty in the dying minutes of added time when Brahim Díaz was brought down in the box by a Senegalese defender.
Despite the controversy, Díaz missed the penalty, as his Panenka attempt was easily saved by Édouard Mendy, sending the game into extra time.
In the early stages of the first half of extra time, Pape Gueye struck a powerful shot into the top corner from the edge of the box to secure a 1–0 victory.
JE
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