The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board has announced a series of sanctions stemming from incidents during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Qualifiers and CAF Interclub Competitions.
The rulings, detailed on the CAF website and reported by PUNCH Online on Thursday, underscore CAF’s commitment to maintaining order, improving security, and safeguarding the integrity of its tournaments. The penalties address issues ranging from fan disturbances and security lapses to non-cooperation and misconduct by officials.
Summary of Key Disciplinary Actions
Equatorial Guinea Sanctioned for Security Failures
Equatorial Guinea was penalized for inadequate security measures during their AFCON Qualifiers match against Togo in Malabo on November 14, 2024. The nation received a suspended fine of USD 25,000 and an additional USD 5,000 fine for pitch invasions by supporters.
Libya Ordered to Play Behind Closed Doors
The Libyan Football Federation faced sanctions after misconduct by supporters and officials during their clash with Benin in Benghazi on November 18, 2024. Violations of CAF’s Disciplinary Code led to a USD 50,000 fine and a requirement to play their next two official home matches without spectators.
Benin Penalized for Non-Cooperation and Misconduct
Benin’s Football Federation was fined USD 5,000 for failing to cooperate during their match against Rwanda, in breach of Article 45 of the Disciplinary Code. An additional USD 50,000 fine—USD 25,000 of which is suspended—was imposed for officials’ misconduct following the game.
CS Sfaxien Fined for Pyrotechnic Incidents
Tunisian club CS Sfaxien incurred a USD 20,000 fine, with half suspended for 12 months, after fans threw pyrotechnic devices during their Confederation Cup game against CS Constantine of Algeria on November 27, 2024.
Guinea’s Complaint Against Tanzania Dismissed
The Guinean Football Federation filed a complaint regarding their November 19, 2024, match against Tanzania. While the complaint was deemed admissible, the Disciplinary Board dismissed it, upholding the match result.
USM Alger Penalized for Smoke Bomb Usage
Algerian club USM Alger was fined USD 10,000, with USD 5,000 suspended for 12 months, due to fans deploying smoke bombs during their Confederation Cup fixture against Orapa United of Botswana on November 27, 2024.
CR Belouizdad Sanctioned for Fan Misconduct
CR Belouizdad (Algeria) received a USD 10,000 fine, with USD 5,000 suspended for 12 months, for smoke bomb usage during their Champions League game against South Africa’s Orlando Pirates on November 26, 2024.
AS FAR Penalized for Fan Infractions
Moroccan club AS FAR was fined USD 5,000 for fan use of smoke bombs during their Champions League match against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns on December 7, 2024. An additional USD 10,000 fine was imposed for the use of lasers by fans.
These rulings reflect CAF’s zero-tolerance approach to violations and its focus on fostering a safer, more disciplined environment across its competitions.
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