The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco was sadly marred by numerous incidents and unsportsmanlike conduct. The CAF Disciplinary Committee announced its sanctions, including Achraf Hakimi, the 27-year-old right-back for Paris Saint-Germain and the Moroccan national team. He was suspended for two matches, one of which was a surprise suspension, for “unsportsmanlike conduct,” specifically for removing the Senegalese goalkeeper’s towel (which often contains information about the opposing team’s penalty takers).
This is just one of the many heavy sanctions imposed after this disappointing final, the quality of which was completely overshadowed. It’s understandable that CAF took action; it’s deserved. It’s regrettable for Hakimi to be suspended from the national team, but it’s unavoidable. Other players are also suspended, and the fines are substantial. Let’s hope to see better finals in the future, with a true sporting spirit.
