CAF Bans Senegal Coach Pape Thiaw for Five Matches After AFCON 2025 Final Chaos

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has been handed a five-match ban and fined $100,000 (£72,000) by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following chaotic scenes during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against hosts Morocco.

CAF said Thiaw was found guilty of “unsporting conduct” and “bringing the game into disrepute” after the dramatic final, which took place on 18 January in Rabat. The sanctions form part of a sweeping disciplinary action that saw almost £1 million in fines issued after the ill-tempered encounter.

What Happened in the AFCON 2025 Final

The final, which Senegal won 1–0, descended into disorder late in the match when Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty. Moments earlier, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala had disallowed a Senegal goal, blowing for a foul on Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi just before Ismaila Sarr headed the ball into the net.

Angered by the decision, Thiaw instructed his players to walk off the pitch, prompting a delay of approximately 17 minutes. Senegal captain Sadio Mané eventually persuaded his teammates to return and resume play.

Morocco’s Brahim Díaz attempted a Panenka penalty, but his effort was brilliantly saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The referee then blew for full-time shortly after, sealing Senegal’s victory.

Pape Gueye had earlier scored the decisive goal in the fourth minute of extra time, securing Senegal’s second AFCON title in five years.

CAF Sanctions on Senegal

In addition to Thiaw’s punishment, CAF handed down multiple sanctions against Senegalese players and officials:

• Pape Thiaw:
  • Five-match CAF suspension
  • $100,000 fine
• Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr:
  • Two-match suspensions each for unsporting behaviour towards the referee
• Senegal Football Federation (FSF):
  • $600,000 for misconduct by players, officials, and supporters
  • $15,000 for receiving five yellow cards

The total fine imposed on the FSF amounted to $615,000 (£444,000).

CAF noted that several Senegal supporters attempted to enter the pitch and clashed with security personnel following the penalty decision.

Morocco Also Heavily Penalised

Morocco and the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) were also sanctioned for multiple breaches:

• Ismael Saibari:
  • Three-match ban
  • $100,000 fine
• Achraf Hakimi:
  • Two-match ban, with one match suspended for 12 months
• FRMF fines:
  • $200,000 for inappropriate behaviour by ball boys, including repeated attempts to interfere with Mendy
  • $100,000 for players and staff invading the VAR review area
  • $15,000 for supporters’ use of laser devices

CAF also dismissed Morocco’s appeal to have the match result overturned after Senegal temporarily left the pitch.

CAF Bans Limited to CAF Competitions

CAF clarified that all suspensions apply only to CAF-organised matches and will not affect preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Other AFCON 2025 Disciplinary Actions

Elsewhere in the tournament, Algeria were fined $100,000 following their quarter-final exit against Nigeria. Goalkeeper Luca Zidane received a two-match ban, while defender Rafik Belghali was suspended for four matches, with two suspended for 12 months, after aggressive behaviour towards match officials.

Source: BBC.com

Also read: Confédération Africaine de Football Slams Senegal and Morocco with Heavy Sanctions After AFCON 2025 Final Chaos