Larry Madowo questions fines imposed on Senegal after AFCON final drama
Renowned journalist Larry Madowo has questioned the hefty fines and sanctions imposed on Senegal after the chaotic final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Morocco on January 18, 2026.
Madowo compared the hefty fine of USD615,000 imposed on Senegal to the USD315,000 imposed on Morocco by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board and questioned whether the same is fair.
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“Senegal is getting fined 615K dollars and Morocco 315K dollars after that chaotic Afcon final. So the CAF Disciplinary Board is sanctioning both federations, the Senegalese coach and players on both sides.
“The Moroccans are paying half of what the Senegalese are paying,” Madowo stated before breaking down the amount in avideo posted on his X account on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
Madowo, who was at the game, made it known that the hefty fines and sanctions imposed on The Lions of Teranga would not go down well with many.
Senegal’s fine
Senegal will pay USD315,000 for the confrontation that ensued between their fans and the security staff during the final.
The West African nation has also been fined USD300,000 for the “unsporting conduct” of its players and technical staff.
This is in reference to the decision by the Lions of Teranga to walk off the field to protest a decision by the referee to award Morocco a penalty in the final minutes of the game.
Senegal was also fined USD15,000 due to five players having received cautions.
The Senegalese national team coach, Pape Thiaw, has also been suspended for five CAF matches and will have to pay a fine of USD100,000.
Two Senegalese players, Ismaïla Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye, have been suspended for two matches.
What Morocco gets
The Moroccan football federation has on the other hand, been fined USD200,000 for what has popularly been referred to as towel gate in reference to towel drama witnessed at Senegal’s goalpost during the final.
CAF Disciplinary Board referred to it as “inappropriate behaviour of the stadium’s ballboys during the final.
Morocco has also been fined another USD100,000 for the inappropriate conduct of its national team and staff, who invaded the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) area and obstructed the referees’ work.
The federation will also pay USD15,000 for fans using lasers during the final, bringing the total to USD 315,000.
Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari have been suspended for two and three matches, respectively.
Saibari will also pay a fine of USD100,000 for his role in what is now known as towelgate.
