Morocco midfielder Ismail Saibari has been suspended for three matches and fined $100,000 following his conduct during the AFCON 2025 final against Senegal.

The 25-year-old was sanctioned after being found guilty of unsporting behaviour linked to an incident involving Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy during the tense final clash.

According to reports reviewed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Saibari, alongside teammate Achraf Hakimi, was involved in attempting to delay the return of Mendy’s towel during the match.

CAF confirmed the punishment in an official statement, announcing a three-match suspension across official CAF competitions alongside the financial penalty.

Saibari, who currently plays club football for PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands, is expected to appeal the decision in the coming days.

The episode was one of several controversial moments during the AFCON final, which Senegal ultimately won after extra time to secure their second Africa Cup of Nations title.