The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has fined the Egyptian national team $5,000 for failing to fulfill mandatory post-match media duties following their opening Group B fixture against Zimbabwe at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. The sanction, announced on December 26, 2025, stems from the entire Egyptian delegation—including players and technical staff—bypassing the designated mixed zone after the final whistle, walking past waiting journalists without stopping for interviews.
Egypt secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe on December 22, 2025, at the Adrar Stadium in Agadir, thanks to a stoppage-time goal from captain Mohamed Salah. Despite the comeback win positioning the Pharaohs favorably in the group, the team's refusal to engage with the media violated CAF's competition regulations, which mandate availability for post-match interactions to promote transparency, fan engagement, and tournament visibility.
In its statement, CAF emphasized that media obligations are "non-negotiable" and essential for the professional conduct of the event. The governing body issued a stern warning alongside the fine, stating that any repetition—particularly after Egypt's upcoming matches—would result in "heavier sanctions." This could include steeper financial penalties or other disciplinary measures.
The incident drew attention when viral footage showed players, including Salah, hurrying through the mixed zone without responding to reporters' questions. African football journalist Micky Jnr highlighted the breach on social media, prompting widespread discussion. Critics argued the action displayed poor sportsmanship from the seven-time AFCON champions, while some supporters suggested the team prioritized recovery amid a tight schedule.
CAF's swift response underscores its commitment to enforcing rules uniformly across participating nations. Media access protocols, including mixed-zone interviews and official press conferences, are standard in major tournaments to ensure balanced coverage and accountability. The fine, though modest relative to Egypt's resources, serves as a public reprimand and deterrent.
Egypt, coached by Hossam Hassan, proceeded to their second group match against South Africa on December 26, 2025 (Boxing Day), with the warning hanging over them. A win would strengthen their bid for top spot in Group B, which also includes Angola and Zimbabwe. The Pharaohs are chasing a record-extending eighth AFCON title in the tournament running from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
This disciplinary action is not isolated; CAF has previously sanctioned teams for similar breaches, reinforcing governance standards amid growing commercial and broadcast interest in African football. As AFCON 2025 progresses, teams are reminded that on-pitch success must align with off-pitch professionalism.
The fine highlights ongoing efforts to elevate the tournament's global profile while maintaining equitable treatment of media stakeholders.
