CAF Hands Achraf Hakimi Two-Game Ban Over Unsporting Conduct in AFCON 2025 Final
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a two-match suspension on Morocco and Paris Saint-Germain defender, Achraf Hakimi, following an incident of unsporting behaviour during the AFCON 2025 final against Senegal.
The highly charged final, played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, was marred by controversy when the Moroccan full-back was caught on camera picking up a towel belonging to Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy and throwing it into the stands.
The situation escalated further as Hakimi, alongside teammate Ismaël Saibari, was seen attempting to prevent the towel from being returned to Mendy, an action CAF later deemed unsporting and against the spirit of fair play.
After a detailed review of the incident, CAF’s Disciplinary Committee handed down a two-game suspension to the Moroccan international.
However, one of the matches has been suspended for a probationary period of one year, meaning Hakimi will only serve one immediate ban unless he commits a similar offence within that timeframe.
In an official statement, CAF said:
“To suspend the Moroccan National Team player, Mr Achraf Hakimi, for two (2) official CAF matches, with one (1) of these matches being suspended for one (1) year from the date of this decision, for his unsporting behaviour.”
The ruling comes as a significant blow to Morocco, especially considering Hakimi’s importance to the national team.
The 25-year-old defender recently crowned his stellar year by winning the African Footballer of the Year award, cementing his status as one of the continent’s finest players.
Reports indicate that Hakimi is expected to appeal the decision, with hopes of having the ban reduced or overturned ahead of future CAF competitions.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
