Morocco appears to be on a warpath with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following the latter’s recent ruling on the dramatic scenes in the Africa Cup of Nations final last month.

The final – contested by Morocco and eventual winners Senegal on 18 January – is back in the spotlight, with Morocco announcing its intention to appeal the sanctions imposed by CAF’s Disciplinary Committee.

CAF is accused of being too lenient, specifically on Senegal, who walked off the pitch when the hosts, Morocco was awarded a penalty in the dying moments. The West Africans later returned to the field to claim the title with a 1-0 win in extra time in the capital, Rabat.

The sanctions announced by CAF include fines totalling $615,000 for the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) and $315,000 for the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) for unsporting and improper conduct by their players, coaching staff and supporters.

Morocco are thought to have been in favour of Senegal losing the title because of the walk-off.

The FRMF will now approach the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) to file an appeal. They believe the sanctions handed down do not reflect the seriousness of the incidents.

“In order to protect Morocco’s rights under the regulations, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation has officially decided to appeal the decisions,” reads the statement.

Meanwhile, Morocco have pulled out of hosting the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at the eleventh hour, allegedly because they are aggrieved by CAF’s ruling. South Africa is reportedly taking over the hosting, with the tournament set to be played from 17 March to 3 April 2026.

On the contrary, Senegal has accepted the sanctions, as reflected in their statement.

“After analysing the decision, the FSF has notified the continental body of its intention not to appeal the sporting and financial sanctions imposed upon it.”

Recently, CAF president Dr Patrice Motsepe said he will respect the ruling, but added that CAF will review its regulations.

“I have taken note of the decision of the CAF Disciplinary Board which was announced on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, and I respect and will adhere to every decision of our CAF Judicial Bodies,” said Motsepe.

“I have called a meeting of the CAF Executive Committee (EXCO), which is the highest decision-making body in CAF, outside the CAF Annual Ordinary General Assembly, to review the CAF Regulations, including the CAF Disciplinary Code, to ensure that the CAF Judicial Bodies have the power to impose appropriate and dissuasive sanctions for serious violations of the CAF Statutes, Regulations, and Disciplinary Code and for behaviour and conduct that seriously undermines or harms the reputation, integrity, respect, and global competitiveness of African Football and CAF Competitions.”

The CAF Executive Committee will meet on 13 February in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with Dr Motsepe chairing the session.