Tag Archives: Confederation of African Football (CAF)

Politics, Sports

Senegal surrenders AFCON trophy to military base amid CAF ruling controversy

Shaffie A Mtambo

DAKAR-(MaraviPost)-The Senegal national football team voluntarily handed over the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy to armed forces personnel, following a controversial decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The player chose to give up the trophy to ensure the security and protection of the cup, amid fears of potential disputes or unrest.

The decision comes shortly after the CAF faced intense scrutiny over its ruling on the rightful winner of the recent AFCON tournament.

Senegal had initially celebrated as champions but CAF later confirmed that Morocco would officially be awarded the trophy following a formal arbitration process.

The CAF ruling followed an appeal by Senegal, who were dissatisfied with the outcome of the tournament. However, the arbitration panel determined that errors during the competition had given Senegal an unfair advantage.

As a result, the panel concluded that Morocco was the rightful winner, prompting CAF to arrange for the trophy to be transferred to the North African nation.

The Senegalese player’s gesture of handing over the trophy personally to security forces was widely seen as a move of goodwill, aiming to prevent any tensions from escalating among fans.

This incident has sparked heated debates among football supporters across Africa and Europe, many of whom expressed mixed reactions to CAF’s ruling.

Some fans praised the Senegalese player for showing sportsmanship and respecting the arbitration outcome, while others voiced frustration over what they perceive as an unfair decision.

CAF officials stated that the transfer of the trophy would take place under tight security, emphasizing that the integrity of the tournament must be upheld at all costs.

Meanwhile, Morocco has welcomed the decision, with local authorities preparing a grand ceremony to receive the AFCON trophy on home soil.

Regional, Sports

CAF punishes Senegal, Morocco over AFCON 2025 final chaos

Shaffie A Mtambo

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a series of heavy sanctions on the F Federation Senegalaise the Football (FSF) and the Federation Royale Marocaine the Football (FRMF) following incidents that marred the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final.

In a statement released on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, CAF said its Disciplinary Board found that the conduct of players, officials, supporters and other match actors during the final violated several provisions of the CAF Disciplinary Code, particularly those relating to fair play, integrity and bringing the game into disrepute.

The most severe punishment was handed to Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw, who has been suspended for five official CAF matches for unsporting conduct.

CAF also fined the coach USD 100,000, citing actions that undermined the principles of fair play and integrity.

Two Senegal players, Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, were each suspended for two official CAF matches after being found guilty of unsporting behaviour towards the referee during the final.

FSF was also hit with multiple financial penalties. CAF fined the Senegalese football body USD 300,000 for the improper conduct of its supporters, which brought the game into disrepute.

A further USD 300,000 fine was imposed for the unsporting conduct of Senegal’s players and technical staff, while an additional USD 15,000 fine was issued due to five Senegal players receiving cautions in the match.

Morocco was not spared by the disciplinary process. CAF suspended Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi for two official CAF matches, although one of the suspensions has been suspended for one year, subject to good behaviour.

Fellow Moroccan player Ismael Saibari received a three match suspension and a USD 100,000 fine for unsporting behaviour.

The Federation Royale Marocaine de Football was fined USD 200,000 for the inappropriate behaviour of ball boys during the final.

CAF also imposed a USD 100,000 fine after Moroccan players and technical staff invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee’s work, an act CAF said violated Articles 82 and 83 of its Disciplinary Code.

In addition, FRMF was fined USD 15,000 for the use of lasers by Moroccan supporters during the match, an offence that CAF has repeatedly warned against due to safety and fair play concerns.

CAF also addressed a protest lodged by FRMF against FSF, in which Morocco alleged that Senegal violated Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations.

The Disciplinary Board rejected the protest, ruling that the claims did not meet the required threshold.

Regional, Sports

CAF crowns PSG star Hakimi as 2025 Africa’s Best Male Player

Shaffie A Mtambo

RABAT-(MaraviPost)-Moroccan football star Achraf Hakimi has been named the Best Male Footballer in Africa for 2025 by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), in a ceremony held on Wednesday night in Rabat, Morocco.

Hakimi, who plays as a right-back for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in France, secured the prestigious award after an outstanding year for both club and country.

His consistent performances, decisive contributions in big matches and leadership on the pitch helped him outshine two other African giants Mohamed Salah of Egypt and Victor Osimhen of Nigeria, who were also strong contenders.

The win marks a historic moment for Hakimi, who becomes one of the few defenders to claim the top individual honour in African football.

Throughout 2025, Hakimi was instrumental in PSG’s domestic and continental campaigns, often delivering match-winning contributions.

For Morocco, he remained a key figure, helping the Atlas Lions maintain their strong form in international competitions and World Cup qualifiers.

This year’s CAF Awards ceremony attracted top football officials, former players and international dignitaries. The atmosphere in Rabat was electric as Moroccan fans celebrated their star’s achievement on home soil.

Hakimi, in his acceptance speech, dedicated the award to his teammates, his coaches and the Moroccan people, saying the recognition motivates him to push even harder.

He also encouraged young African footballers to continue working hard, reminding them that discipline and determination can take them far.

His victory adds another major milestone to his career, strengthening his legacy as one of Africa’s most accomplished footballers of his generation.

Regional, Sports

CAF cracks down on CHAN misconduct: Zambia, Kenya, and Morocco fined

Shaffie A Mtambo

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued heavy fines to several teams participating in the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) following breaches of competition regulations.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has been ordered to pay a fine of $5,000 (approximately MK8.6 million) after the head coach of the Zambian national team, Avram Grant, failed to attend a mandatory pre-match press conference ahead of their clash against the Republic of Congo.

According to CAF’s competition rules, attendance at official press conferences is compulsory, and any failure to comply is considered a serious offence.

Kenya has been hit with a far larger penalty, a $50,000 fine, for breaching safety and security regulations during their CHAN fixture against Morocco.

CAF did not disclose full details, but reports indicate that incidents in the stands and pitch perimeter were at the heart of the sanction.

The continental body has also issued a stern warning to Kenya, stating that if such incidents occur again, the remaining matches in the country could be moved to neighboring Tanzania, which is a co-host for the tournament.

Meanwhile, Morocco has also been punished, receiving a $5,000 fine for its role in the disturbances during the same match against Kenya.

CAF has given all three federations 60 days to settle the fines. Failure to do so could result in further disciplinary action, including possible suspension from future CAF competitions.

The African Nations Championship (CHAN), which features national teams made up exclusively of players competing in their domestic leagues, has been underway with high intensity, but CAF’s latest decisions serve as a reminder that discipline and order remain a top priority in African football.

Regional, Sports

Zambia risk hefty CAF fine after coach Avram Grant skips pre-match media duties

Shaffie A Mtambo

NAIROBI-(MaraviPost)-The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) is staring down a potential $10,000 fine from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after national team head coach Avram Grant failed to attend a mandatory pre-match press conference ahead of Zambia’s opening African Nations Championship (CHAN) clash against DR Congo.

Journalists, who had gathered at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi for the highly anticipated media briefing, were informed by CAF officials that the event had been abruptly cancelled due to the absence of the Zambian head coach.

Under CAF tournament regulations, all teams are required to present their head coaches for official press duties on the eve of matchday to promote transparency and engagement with the media.

Failure to comply attracts financial penalties, with minimum fines starting at $10,000.

While neither FAZ nor Grant has offered an explanation for the no-show, the incident has raised eyebrows, especially given the increasing importance CAF places on professionalism and accountability during international competitions.

Zambia are scheduled to face DR Congo in a high-stakes group stage match on Friday, but the build-up has now been clouded by administrative controversy that could overshadow the team’s on-field performance.

This is not the first time disciplinary measures have loomed over CHAN pre-match procedures, and CAF is reportedly expected to take swift action to maintain discipline among participating teams.

Regional, Sports

CAF withdraws Kenya’s hosting rights for CHAN 2024 Group D

Shaffie A Mtambo

NAIROBI-(MaraviPost)-The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has withdrawn Kenya’s hosting rights for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) Group D due to inadequate training facilities.

Despite Kenya’s pledge to provide six training grounds and an additional pitch for referees, only a few venues were ready or near completion.

These included the Ulinzi Sports Complex, Kenya Police Sacco grounds, and two pitches at Kasarani.

As a result, Group D matches featuring Senegal, Congo, Sudan, and Nigeria have been relocated to Zanzibar, which is hosting some of the tournament’s matches.

Zanzibar’s Amaan Stadium has previously staged successful football events, including the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2024/25 Final.

The 2024 CHAN tournament is scheduled to take place from August 2 to 30, 2025, with Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda co-hosting the event.

While Kenya will host the final match at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, Tanzania will host the opening match at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, and Uganda will stage the third-place match at Mandela Stadium in Kampala.

Malawi, Sports

Sigh of relief! CAF approves Malawi FA’s B license coaching course

Maravi Post Reporter

By Edwin Mbewe

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Coaches Association of Malawi can now have reasons to smile as Confederation of African Football (CAF) has finally approved Football Association of Malawi (FAM)’s application to conduct CAF B coaching course.

This comes after waiting for about six years as the Africa’s football governing body changed the system of offering the course.

The course will be the first of it’s kind since 2016 after CAF stopped the courses as Member Association were directed to develop custom tailored manuals which Malawi drafted in 2020.

Benjamin Kumwenda FAM Technical Director

Benjamin Kumwenda Technical Director at FAM said, “We are glad that CAF has finally approved our application to conduct the CAF B coaching course.We have waited for this course for about six years because CAF changed it’s way of offering coaching courses to its Member Associations as each MA now has to sign and fulfil the Coaching Course Convention which has eight criteria.

“We have been working on achieving all the criteria which include Course program,detailed Course Syllabus,Examination procedure, head of coach Education, technical structure, CV for instructors,Coach registration system as well as coach education activities which we fulfilled in 2021”,.

Kumwenda disclosed that the course will be conducted from July 7, 2022 as CAF regulations requires a space of two months between the date of approval and the starting date for the course.

The course application was approved on May 6 and we are given a space of two months to prepare for it according to CAF rules.

“We already had list of 30 coaches with CAF C Coaching Licenses which we submitted to CAF last year. But we will revise it because we only want coaches who are active to be admitted to the programme”, said Kumwenda.

CAF B License is a minimum Coaching qualification required for one to coach in the country’s Elite league according to the FAM Club Licensing regulations.

During the course, coaches will undergo a 160-hour program and must pass examinations to be awarded the CAF B License.

Malawi, Sports

Sigh of relief! CAF approves Malawi’s Bingu Stadium to host AFCON 2023 qualifiers

Maravi Post Reporter

By Chisomo Phiri

BLANTYRE (MaraviPost)-The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has temporary approved Bingu National Stadium (BNS) to host Ethiopia in the group D of African Cup of Nations (AFCON) slated for June 2, 2022.

This will be the first time that the Flames will be playing in Malawi since March 2021 as confederation banned Bingu National Stadium, forcing the Flames to play their home matches at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Bingu National Stadium approved to host AFCON2023 qualifiers

This has been confirmed in a letter from CAF signed by Developmental Director Raul Chipendo which reads, “Please note that the approved stadium (BNS) will be set as the venue to host the Match Group D Malawi against Ethiopia related to the group stage qualifiers of the Africa Cup of Nations Ivory Coast 2023 Match Day 1.”

CAF has also directed areas to be improved to ensure that the stadium is permanently approved in the future for CAF Competitions.

FAM General Secretary Alfred Gunda welcomed the good news and thanked government for the excellent collaboration and support to get the stadium certified.

“We have come a long way to achieve this, and we must thank the Malawi government and the FAM leadership for the effort and resources that have enabled us get this status.

“It was important to have the pitch certified for international matches so that the Flames play home matches in Malawi to manage costs and allow Malawians to support their beloved Flames at their backyard.

“We will not relax but go back on the ground to work on all the shortfalls so that we should get a permanent approval,” said Gunda.

FAM President Walter Nyamirandu has also expressed his excitement with the news saying he is delighted that the fans will now be able to watch the Flames live and direct at home.

Among others, CAF has indicated that much as the condition of the pitch has improved, it is not yet at a desired level and that there is need to continue maintenance and preservation of the field of play area.

Another critical area is the improvement of public access where CAF is demanding that: “The Stadium must be equipped with modern electronic access and automated counting system delivering real time spectators’ attendance per sector and data analysis to the VOC and preventing the use of counterfeit tickets and overcrowding. Modern turnstiles with automatic counting apparatus need to be installed.”

Other areas to be worked on including substitutes benches, dressing room lockers, media related areas and sanitary facilities for spectators.

Malawi, Sports

Football Association of Malawi not happy with CAF’s decision to ban BNS

Maneno Chimulala
Football Association of Malawi not happy with CAF’s decision to ban BNS

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)—The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has expressed disappointment with the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to ban Bingu National Stadium hence deeming it unfit to host FIFA World Cup 2022 African qualifiers.

According to a statement released by FAM on Friday, 6th August, the country’s football governing body will appeal against the CAF’s decision which was made after inspection visit of the BNS as part of the stadium’s assessment for homologation for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 African Qualifiers.

According to CAF, the stadium does not meet the set CAF stadium minimum requirements and consequently will not be approved for the qualifying matches of the FIFA world Cup Qatar 2022.

The main reason for not approving the stadium is the pitch as it was not in playable condition on the day of inspection and FAM was advised to select a venue among the stadiums approved by CAF in neighboring countries and must inform CAF latest by 9th August 2021.

“FAM is very disappointed with the news as it had high hopes of the facility passing the test considering the effort and resources the association has put in making the facility homologated. It is in this regard that FAM has resolved to appeal against the CAF decision and will request for another assessment in the next 14 days.

“The Association believes that tremendous progress has been made on improving the pitch at the stadium and that it will be ready for use for domestic and international fixtures by the 21st of August 2021. This was even shared with the inspector who had a first-hand experience of the work being done on the pitch,” reads the statement partly.

According to FAM, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, as owners of the facility, has given assurance that it is committed to ensuring that necessary resources are made available to complete the outstanding works on the pitch.

The statement further reads: “It is our desire that the Bingu National Stadium should be approved so that it should host the forthcoming matches of the World Cup Qatar 2022 as a home ground for the Flames. It is our sincere hope that CAF will reconsider its decision bearing in mind that most of the works have been completed and that the remaining portion will be easily resolved.”

BNS, a brainchild of late President Bingu wa Mutharika, has been in sorry state despite having stadium manager solely employed to manage the stadium.

FAM has also been inactive in steering the renovation of the country’s stadia yet they get revenues from the gate collection during TNM Super League matches and other competitions under the football governing body.

Sports

Malawi national team mentor Mwase casts doubts on Flames performance at Caf

Richard Kayenda
Malawi Flames Coach
Meke Mwase

Mzuzu-(Marapost)—Malawi national  football team coach, Meke Mwase, has expressed serious reservations on the state of footballers in the country in relation to preparation for the prospective Confederation of African Football (Caf) tournament scheduled to kick off next November.

Reaction to the announcement by Caf on Wednesday that the tournament, which was suspended in March this year due to Covid-19 pandemic, is slated to take place between coming November and March next year, Mwase said the currently inactivity of the local based footballers is a big block to their fitness during the continental qualifiers.

Mwase further pleaded with government to consider giving the Flames team adequate time and resources to prepare for the showcase.

Mwase said: “You know that there is no football taking place in Malawi of which, if we could have time preparing for those tournaments. As a national team, we always rely on players that we take from clubs. And there no activity being done in the clubs at the meantime. So, it’s very difficult for the national team to say anything about that. I can only say it can be very good if they give us that period to prepare for those game. It will the players a lot.”

The Flames clenched a 33 point deal when they defeated South Sudan at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre before losing to Uganda last year.

In the 2022 World Cup qualifiers scheduled to take place in Qatar, the Malawi national team is grouped together with Cameroon, Mozambique and Bokina Faso.