Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has been handed a five-match ban and a significant financial penalty following dramatic and controversial scenes during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Morocco earlier this month.
The Confederation of African Football (Caf) confirmed that Thiaw was fined $100,000 (£72,000) and suspended for five matches after being found guilty of unsporting conduct and bringing the game into disrepute. His punishment formed part of a wider disciplinary crackdown that saw fines and bans totalling nearly £1 million imposed in the aftermath of the final.
The AFCON final, played on 18 January in Rabat, ended in a 1-0 victory for Senegal, securing their second continental title in five years. However, the historic win was overshadowed by chaos late in the match after a controversial refereeing decision sparked outrage among Senegal’s players and coaching staff.
The controversy unfolded deep into stoppage time when Morocco were awarded a penalty. Just moments earlier, Senegal believed they had scored through Ismaila Sarr, but referee Jean-Jacques Ndala had already blown his whistle for a foul on Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi, disallowing the goal.
Incensed by the decision, Thiaw instructed his players to walk off the pitch in protest. Senegal’s players complied, leaving the field and causing the final to descend into confusion. The match was halted for approximately 17 minutes as officials attempted to restore order and persuade the Senegalese side to return.
Eventually, Senegal forward and national icon Sadio Mane played a key role in calming tensions, convincing his team-mates to return to the pitch and allow the match to continue. Once play resumed, Morocco’s Brahim Diaz stepped up to take the penalty, attempting a Panenka-style kick.
However, Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy produced a crucial save, denying Morocco the equaliser. Moments later, the referee blew the whistle for full-time, confirming Senegal’s victory and triggering celebrations — albeit amid lingering controversy.
The drama did not end there. In extra time, Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal in the fourth minute, sealing Senegal’s triumph and sparking jubilant scenes among players and supporters. Despite the chaotic circumstances, Caf later confirmed that the match result would stand.
In the days following the final, Caf launched a disciplinary review into the events. Alongside Thiaw’s ban and fine, several players from both teams were also sanctioned for their conduct.
Senegal forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each handed two-match suspensions for unsporting behaviour toward the referee. The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) was fined a total of $615,000 (£444,000) for the actions of its players and staff.
Morocco were not spared either. Forward Ismael Saibari received a three-match ban and a $100,000 (£72,000) fine, while defender Achraf Hakimi was issued a two-match suspension, with one of those games suspended for 12 months.
Morocco’s football federation (FRMF) attempted to have the result of the final overturned, arguing that Senegal’s temporary walkout had unfairly influenced the outcome. However, Caf’s disciplinary committee rejected the appeal, confirming Senegal as rightful champions.
Amid the fallout, Thiaw took to Instagram to address supporters who had suggested organising fundraisers to help cover his fine. In a measured and humble message, the Senegal coach urged fans not to do so.
After thanking supporters for “the love you show me every day,” Thiaw wrote that while he appreciated the gesture, he preferred the money to be directed toward more urgent humanitarian causes.
“I understand and appreciate this generosity,” he said, “but I invite you to redirect these funds to causes that will benefit those who truly need them.”
Despite the sanctions, Caf clarified that all bans handed out relate only to Caf competitions. As a result, the suspensions will not affect Senegal or Morocco’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
While the final will be remembered for Senegal’s resilience and defensive strength, it has also reignited debates around refereeing standards, emotional management on the sidelines, and disciplinary consistency in African football.
For Senegal, the triumph represents another major milestone in a golden era for the national team. However, the disciplinary consequences serve as a reminder of the fine line between passion and professionalism on football’s biggest stages.
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