Pape Thiaw, the head coach of Senegal’s national football team, has been handed a five-match suspension by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) due to his conduct during the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Morocco.
According to an official CAF release on Wednesday, Thiaw was found guilty of “unsporting behaviour” and actions that “tarnished the reputation of the sport” during the intense final held in Rabat on January 18. Senegal ultimately triumphed 1-0 after extra time.
In addition to the coach’s penalty, Senegalese Premier League stars Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each suspended for two matches for exhibiting “unsporting conduct towards the match officials.”
The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) was also fined a hefty $615,000 for multiple infractions committed during the final, including breaches of CAF’s disciplinary code emphasizing fair play, loyalty, and integrity by both players and technical staff.
On the Moroccan side, forward Ismael Saibari received a three-match ban and a $100,000 fine for unsporting behaviour, while team captain and defender Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two matches.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) faced a $200,000 fine due to the misconduct of stadium ball boys during the match.
Furthermore, an additional $100,000 penalty was levied for the intrusion of players and staff into the VAR review area, which disrupted the Congolese referee’s duties.
Moroccan fans’ use of laser pointers aimed at distracting Senegalese players resulted in a $15,000 fine, bringing Morocco’s total sanctions to $315,000.
The final was marked by several contentious moments, notably late in regular time when a goal by Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr was disallowed due to a foul on Hakimi, who was named the 2025 African Player of the Year.
Morocco was subsequently awarded a penalty after star forward Brahim Diaz was fouled, triggering vehement protests from the Senegalese side.
Broadcast footage captured Thiaw signaling to his players, an act widely interpreted as instructing them to abandon the pitch. Most of the Senegal squad exited to the dressing rooms, but star forward Sadio Mane remained and later convinced his teammates to return, allowing the match to continue.
Morocco’s penalty attempt was weakly struck by Diaz and saved by Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The game proceeded into extra time, where Pape Gueye netted the decisive goal, securing Senegal’s second AFCON championship.
