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Senegal Manager Thiaw Handed Five-Match Ban Following Chaotic Afcon Final
Senegal's head coach Pape Thiaw has received a five-game suspension and a £72,000 fine from Caf, African football's governing body, following dramatic scenes during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco on 18 January in Rabat.
The controversy erupted in stoppage time after Morocco were awarded a penalty. Thiaw instructed his players to leave the pitch in protest, leading to a 17-minute stoppage. Star striker Sadio Mane eventually convinced the team to return. Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved the penalty, and Senegal claimed a 1-0 victory in extra time through Pape Gueye's goal, securing their second Afcon title in five years.
Caf has also suspended Senegal forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr for two matches each due to unsporting conduct toward the match officials. The Senegal Football Federation faces a substantial £444,000 fine in total, primarily for player and staff misconduct, along with crowd disturbances including confrontations with security personnel and pitch invasion attempts.
Morocco forward Ismael Saibari received a three-match ban and £72,000 fine, while captain Achraf Hakimi was given a two-game suspension, one of which is suspended for 12 months. The Moroccan federation was fined £200,000 for various infractions, including ball boys removing Mendy's towel, players entering the VAR area, and supporters using laser pointers.
Morocco's appeal to overturn the result was rejected by Caf, with Senegal's victory confirmed.
The sanctions apply exclusively to Caf competitions, such as upcoming Afcon qualifiers, and will not impact World Cup participation.
Caf's decisive action signals a firm stance on maintaining discipline following the final's disorderly conclusion.