Football
CAF DISCIPLINARY BOARD IMPOSES SANCTIONS ON SENEGAL AND MOROCCO FOR AFCON 2025 FINAL INCIDENTS
The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board has announced a series of sanctions against the Senegalese and Moroccan football federations, players, and officials following the tumultuous TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final. The board ruled that various incidents during the match violated the CAF Disciplinary Code’s principles of fair play, integrity, and brought the game into disrepute.
Regarding the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), the CAF Disciplinary Board decided to suspend Senegalese head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw for five official CAF matches and impose a fine of USD 100,000 on him for unsporting conduct. Two Senegalese national team players, Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, were each suspended for two official CAF matches for unsporting behaviour towards the referee. The federation itself was fined USD 300,000 for the improper conduct of its supporters, an additional USD 300,000 for the unsporting conduct of its players and technical staff, and a further USD 15,000 for misconduct after five of its players received cautions.
Concerning the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), the board suspended Moroccan player Achraf Hakimi for two official CAF matches, with one of these matches suspended for one year from the date of the decision, due to unsporting behaviour. Teammate Ismaël Saibari was suspended for three official CAF matches and fined USD 100,000. The FRMF was fined USD 200,000 for the inappropriate behaviour of the stadium’s ball boys during the match, USD 100,000 for the improper conduct of its players and technical staff who invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee’s work, and USD 15,000 for the use of lasers by its supporters.
The CAF Disciplinary Board also addressed a formal protest, rejecting the one lodged by the FRMF regarding alleged violations by the FSF of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations relating to the final. A CAF official, commenting on the rulings, stated, “These sanctions reinforce our unwavering commitment to the principles of fair play and integrity. The board’s decisions send a clear message that such conduct undermines the spirit of the game and will be met with significant consequences.” The comprehensive penalties highlight CAF’s stance on maintaining discipline and sportsmanship across its competitions.
Manchester City claimed the 2026 Carabao Cup title with a convincing 2–0 victory over Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, delivering a major blow to Arsenal’s silverware ambitions this season.
After a cagey first half, City turned up the intensity in the second period, with young star Nico O’Reilly emerging as the hero. The midfielder scored twice in quick succession, first capitalizing on a costly error from goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga before heading in a second just minutes later to seal the win.
Arsenal, who came into the final as favourites and Premier League leaders, struggled to convert possession into clear chances. Their best effort came late in the game when they struck the crossbar, but it proved too little to mount a comeback.
The defeat not only ended Arsenal’s hopes of securing a historic quadruple but has also reignited criticism of manager Mikel Arteta’s decision-making; particularly his choice to start Kepa ahead of first-choice goalkeeper David Raya.
Pundits and fans alike were quick to question Arsenal’s mentality on the big stage, with some commentators reviving the long-standing “bottlers” label, suggesting the team once again failed to deliver in a crucial final.
Meanwhile, City’s triumph marks their ninth League Cup title and another milestone for manager Pep Guardiola, reinforcing their reputation as serial winners despite trailing Arsenal in the Premier League standings.
For Arsenal, attention now shifts to their remaining competitions, but this loss could have lasting psychological implications in their pursuit of major trophies this season.
FC Barcelona secured a hard-fought victory over Rayo Vallecano, thanks to a decisive header from Ronald Araujo and a standout goalkeeping performance by Inaki Pena Garcia.
In a tightly contested La Liga clash, Barcelona struggled to break down a resilient Rayo side that maintained defensive discipline throughout much of the game. Despite dominating possession, the Catalan giants found clear-cut chances hard to come by in the early stages.
The breakthrough eventually came in the second half when Araujo rose highest to meet a well-delivered set-piece, powering a header past the Rayo goalkeeper to give Barcelona the lead. The goal proved decisive in a match where margins were slim.
Rayo Vallecano responded with increased attacking intent, pressing forward in search of an equalizer. However, Barcelona’s goalkeeper Garcia emerged as a key figure, producing a series of crucial saves to deny the visitors. His composure and reflexes under pressure ensured that Barcelona held on to their narrow advantage.
Barcelona’s defence, marshalled effectively in the closing stages, managed to withstand Rayo’s late push, securing all three points in a match that tested their resilience.
The victory strengthens Barcelona’s position in the league standings, while Rayo Vallecano will rue missed opportunities after a spirited performance.
Everton delivered a dominant performance to defeat Chelsea 3–0 in their Premier League clash on Saturday, piling further pressure on the London side’s struggling campaign.
Playing at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton took control of the game and capitalised on defensive lapses from Chelsea to secure a convincing victory. Beto was the standout performer, scoring twice; first in the 33rd minute and again shortly after the hour mark to give the hosts a firm grip on the contest.
The home side sealed the win late in the second half when Iliman Ndiaye added a third goal with a fine finish, capping an impressive attacking display.
Chelsea struggled to respond throughout the match despite enjoying spells of possession. Their attacking efforts lacked sharpness, while defensive errors proved costly, extending their poor run of form. The defeat marks their fourth consecutive loss across competitions, raising concerns about consistency and tactical direction.
Everton, on the other hand, continue to build momentum, with back-to-back home wins boosting their hopes of securing a European qualification spot.
The result also narrows the gap between both sides in the league standings, intensifying the race for continental football places.