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CAF Slams Morocco After Chaotic 2025 AFCON Final

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CAF

CAF sanctions Morocco and fines players following chaos in the 2025 AFCON final against Senegal

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued sanctions against the Morocco Football Federation following the disruption of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

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Also read: FCT Council Election: AMAC PDP Candidate Withdraws for APC

The Teranga Lions of Senegal defeated the Atlas Lions of Morocco 1-0 in a match marred by controversy at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

The final saw Senegal coach Pape Thiaw order his players off the pitch in protest against a penalty awarded to Morocco for a foul on Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz.

The intervention of Sadio Mane helped restore order before Diaz missed the penalty and Papa Gueye scored the winning goal in extra time.

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CAF suspended Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi for two matches, one suspended for a year, while Ismael Saibari received a three-match ban and a $100,000 fine.

The Moroccan Federation was fined $200,000 over the behaviour of ball boys and players, including interference with VAR operations and the use of lasers by supporters, totaling $115,000 in additional fines.

The Senegalese team also faced sanctions, with coach Pape Thiaw suspended for five matches and fined $100,000, while players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each suspended for two matches due to unsporting conduct towards the referee.

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CAF Executive Committee member Samir Sobha publicly apologised to Morocco, admitting procedural errors during the final.

“The Atlas Lions were robbed. It’s clear. After the Senegalese team left the field, all the players should have received a yellow card,” Sobha said.

CAF also cleared referee Jean-Jacques Ndala of any wrongdoing following scrutiny over his performance in the match.

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Also read: FCT Council Election: AMAC PDP Candidate Withdraws for APC

The decision highlights CAF’s effort to uphold fair play while acknowledging errors that affected Morocco’s experience in the 2025 AFCON final.

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Liverpool Releases Moving Biography Honouring Diogo Jota

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Liverpool Diogo Jota biography, Forever in Our Hearts, celebrates the late forward’s life, career and legacy, with profits funding grassroots football

Liverpool Football Club have released a new biography celebrating the life and legacy of former forward Diogo Jota, with all profits from the book set to support a grassroots football programme being established in his name through the LFC Foundation.

Also read: PRP Rejects Bauchi’s Proposed N298bn Loan

Titled ‘Forever in Our Hearts’, the biography was written by Portuguese author and former professional footballer José Delgado and published by Reach Sport. Liverpool announced the release on Thursday, October 22, 2026, through a post on the club’s official X account.

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The book traces Jota’s journey from his early years in Portugal to his rise as one of his generation’s respected forwards and a much-loved member of the Liverpool football family.

Drawing on interviews with family members, friends, teammates and coaches, the biography offers a personal account of the footballer’s character, professional achievements and relationships beyond the pitch.

Contributors include Jota’s wife, Rute, his parents, Isabel and Joaquim, and former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, alongside more than 90 other people who knew him throughout his life and career.

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Their recollections highlight Jota’s determination, humility and commitment to football, while exploring the personal qualities that earned him affection among teammates, supporters and colleagues.

The biography also celebrates the close bond between Jota and his brother, André Silva, reflecting on the impact both men had on those around them and the wider football community.

Jota enjoyed significant success during his career, winning the Premier League with Liverpool and the UEFA Nations League with Portugal.

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His performances, work ethic and contribution to the teams he represented helped establish his reputation in European football.

However, ‘Forever in Our Hearts’ also confronts the tragedy of July 2025, when Jota and André died, leaving family members, friends, teammates and supporters mourning their loss.

Delgado said the project began as an effort to preserve Jota’s memory during a period of profound sadness, with a commitment to presenting an honest and respectful account of the lives of both brothers.

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“My commitment throughout was to tell his story with care, honesty and respect for Diogo, André, and the family and friends who loved them,” Delgado said.

The author added that the willingness of those closest to the brothers to share their memories had helped capture their personalities and the depth of affection they inspired.

Reflecting on Jota’s relationship with Liverpool, Delgado said the accounts gathered during his research revealed qualities extending beyond his footballing ability, including humility, dedication and personal character.

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He expressed hope that the biography would provide a lasting tribute while inspiring future generations of footballers.

The book is available through official Liverpool FC stores and online, with proceeds directed towards the grassroots football programme being developed in Jota’s name through the LFC Foundation.

The release forms part of Liverpool’s continuing efforts to honour the forward and his brother. Earlier in 2026, the club unveiled a permanent memorial outside Anfield, giving supporters a dedicated place to remember the brothers and reflect on their legacy.

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Through the biography and the planned community football initiative, Liverpool is seeking to ensure that Jota’s influence endures beyond his playing career, helping create opportunities for young people to participate in the sport he loved.

Also read: PRP Rejects Bauchi’s Proposed N298bn Loan

The project combines remembrance with a practical commitment to grassroots development, offering a way for Jota’s passion for football to continue benefiting future generations.

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