Pape Thiaw, the head coach of Senegal's national team, has been handed a five-match ban by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following chaotic scenes that unfolded during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Morocco. The CAF announced the ban on Thursday, also fining Thiaw $100,000.
The suspension stems from the controversial AFCON final in Rabat on January 18, 2026. Thiaw was found guilty of "unsporting conduct" and "bringing the game into disrepute". The CAF Disciplinary Code was cited, referencing breaches of fair play, integrity, and actions that tarnished the game's reputation.
The specific incident that triggered the ban involved Thiaw instructing his players to leave the pitch after Morocco was awarded a penalty late in regular time. Television footage showed Thiaw gesturing towards his team, which was widely interpreted as a call to walk off the field in protest. The Senegalese players did leave the field, causing a delay of over ten minutes before officials intervened and convinced them to return. Brahim Diaz ultimately missed the penalty.
Despite the disruption, Senegal went on to win the match 1-0 in extra time, securing their second continental triumph. Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal. However, CAF's Disciplinary Board ruled that Thiaw's actions crossed a line, regardless of the match outcome.
In addition to Thiaw's ban, CAF imposed further sanctions on both Senegal and Morocco. The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) was fined a total of $615,000 for multiple offenses during the final, including unsporting conduct by players and technical staff. Senegal players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each banned for two CAF matches for unsporting behavior towards the referee.
Morocco also faced penalties, with forward Ismael Saibari receiving a three-match ban and a $100,000 fine for unsporting behavior. Captain Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two matches, one of which is suspended for a year. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was fined $200,000 for the inappropriate behavior of stadium ball boys, $100,000 for improper conduct after players and technical staff invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee, and $15,000 after Moroccan supporters used laser pointers to distract Senegalese players. In total, Morocco's fines amounted to $315,000.
Thiaw will serve his five-match ban during the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. However, he will be available to coach Senegal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Senegal is in Group I with France, Norway, and the winners of inter-continental play-offs involving Bolivia, Suriname, and Iraq.
Despite the controversies, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations generated record revenues for CAF.
