Sports
CAF bans Morocco’s Ismail Saibari for three matches after AFCON final incident
Morocco international Ismail Saibari has been handed a three-match suspension and fined $100,000 for unsporting behaviour during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal.
The 25-year-old midfielder was found guilty of misconduct following an incident in which he and teammate Achraf Hakimi attempted to prevent the return of a towel belonging to Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy during the high-tension final.
After reviewing reports from match officials, the Confederation of African Football decided to impose disciplinary sanctions on the Moroccan player.
In a statement, CAF said: “To suspend the Moroccan National Team player, Mr Ismael Saibari, for three (3) official CAF matches for his unsporting behaviour.”
The statement added: “Mr Ismaël Saibari was also fined USD 100,000.”
Saibari, who plays his club football with PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands, is expected to appeal the ruling in the coming days.
The incident was among several flashpoints during a controversial final, which Senegal went on to win after extra time to claim their second Africa Cup of Nations title.
Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet
