CAF Suspends Senegal Coach Thiaw for 5 Matches After Chaotic Morocco Final

Senegal Coach Pape Thiaw has been handed a five-match ban and fined $100,000 by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following the chaotic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Morocco on January 18. The decision comes after Thiaw was found guilty of “unsporting conduct” and “bringing the game into disrepute” during Senegal’s 1-0 extra-time victory at Stade Mohammed V.

The controversy erupted late in normal time when Senegal’s Sarr goal was disallowed for a foul on Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, followed by a penalty awarded to Morocco for a foul on Brahim Diaz. TV footage showed Thiaw gesturing to his players, leading most of the Senegal squad to leave the field temporarily. Star forward Sadio Mane, however, persuaded the team to return, allowing the match to continue. Diaz’s penalty was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, and Pape Gueye later scored the match-winning goal in extra time.

In addition to Thiaw’s sanction, Senegalese forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each given two-match bans for “unsporting behavior towards the referee.” The Senegal Football Federation was fined a total of $615,000 for various offenses, including player misconduct, technical staff violations, and interference in the VAR review area. Moroccan officials and supporters were also penalized: forward Ismael Saibari received a three-match ban and a $100,000 fine, Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two matches, and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation was fined $200,000 for inappropriate conduct by stadium ball boys. An additional $115,000 in fines was imposed for pitch invasions, laser use, and other disruptions.

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The sanctions will apply to CAF matches and do not impact preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Senegal are drawn in Group I alongside France, Norway, and the winners of intercontinental play-offs involving Bolivia, Suriname, and Iraq. Morocco will compete in Group C with Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. Senegalese officials have indicated they intend to appeal the sanctions, with sports minister Khady Diene Gaye describing Thiaw as a “true patriot.”

The AFCON final remains one of the tournament’s most dramatic in recent memory, marked by disputes over refereeing decisions, pitch invasions, and high tensions between players and officials. Despite the controversies, Senegal secured their second AFCON title, while CAF’s disciplinary measures underscore the governing body’s commitment to maintaining fair play, integrity, and order during continental competitions.

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