Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has been handed a five-match ban by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following chaotic scenes during this month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against hosts Morocco.
In its statement, CAF said Thiaw was found guilty of “unsporting conduct” and “bringing the game into disrepute” during the January 18 decider in Rabat, which Senegal won 1-0 after extra time to claim their second AFCON title.
Senegal forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, both based in the English Premier League, were also suspended for two matches each for “unsporting behaviour towards the referee.”
CAF further slapped the Senegal Football Federation (FSF) with fines totalling $615,000 for multiple offences linked to the final, including misconduct by players and technical staff that violated disciplinary principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity.
Morocco were not spared either. Forward Ismael Saibari received a three-match ban and a $100,000 fine for unsporting behaviour, while captain Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two matches.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was fined $200,000 over the “inappropriate behaviour of stadium ball boys,” while an additional $100,000 penalty was imposed after players and technical staff invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the Congolese referee.
Moroccan supporters were also cited for using lasers to distract Senegal players, leading to a further $15,000 fine — bringing Morocco’s total penalties to $315,000.
The final was marred by controversy late in regulation time when a goal by Sarr was disallowed for a foul on Hakimi, the 2025 African Player of the Year.
Moments later, Morocco were awarded a penalty after Brahim Diaz was fouled, triggering furious protests from the Senegal camp. Television footage showed Thiaw gesturing toward his players in a manner widely interpreted as urging them to walk off the pitch.
Most of the Senegal team headed to the dressing room, but captain Sadio Mane remained on the field and later convinced his teammates to return so the match could continue.
After a long delay, Diaz’s penalty was saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, and the match went into extra time where Pape Gueye scored the winner for Senegal.
During the stoppage, some Senegal supporters threw objects and briefly invaded the pitch before police and security officers restored order.
CAF clarified that the sanctions apply only to CAF competitions and will not affect Senegal and Morocco’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Senegal have been drawn in Group I alongside France, Norway and the winner of an inter-continental play-off involving Bolivia, Suriname and Iraq. Morocco will face Brazil, Scotland and Haiti in Group C.
Thiaw’s ban means he will miss five of Senegal’s six AFCON 2027 qualifying matches scheduled for September, October and November, while the suspended players will sit out the first two qualifiers.
