Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has been handed a five-match ban by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following chaotic scenes during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Morocco earlier this month.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, CAF said Thiaw was found guilty of “unsporting conduct” and “bringing the game into disrepute” during the final played in Rabat on January 18, which Senegal won 1–0 after extra time.
CAF also sanctioned two Senegalese forwards, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, both of whom play in the English Premier League, with two-match bans each for “unsporting behaviour towards the referee.”
The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) was fined a total of $615,000 for multiple infractions during the final, including the “unsporting conduct of players and technical staff,” in violation of CAF’s disciplinary code on fair play, loyalty and integrity.
On the Moroccan side, forward Ismael Saibari received a three-match ban and a $100,000 fine for unsporting behaviour, while captain and defender Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two matches.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was fined $200,000 for the “inappropriate behaviour of stadium ball boys.” An additional $100,000 fine was imposed for the “improper conduct” of players and technical staff who invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the work of the Congolese referee.
CAF also fined Morocco $15,000 after supporters were found to have used laser pointers to distract Senegalese players, bringing the total fines imposed on the host federation to $315,000.
The final descended into controversy late in regulation time when a goal by Ismaila Sarr was disallowed for a foul on Hakimi, who was later named the 2025 African Player of the Year.
Morocco were subsequently awarded a penalty after Senegalese defender Pape Gueye was adjudged to have fouled Brahim Diaz, triggering angry protests from Senegal’s players and technical bench.
Television footage showed Thiaw gesturing towards his players, an action widely interpreted as instructing them to leave the pitch. Several players headed towards the dressing room, although captain Sadio Mane remained on the field and later persuaded his teammates to return so play could resume.
After a lengthy delay, Diaz’s penalty was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The match then went into extra time, where Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal to secure Senegal’s second AFCON title.
During the stoppage, some Senegalese supporters threw projectiles onto the pitch, while others briefly invaded the field before security personnel restored order.
CAF clarified that the sanctions imposed on Thiaw and the four players apply only to CAF competitions and will not affect Senegal’s or Morocco’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Senegal have been drawn in Group I alongside France, Norway, and the winner of the intercontinental play-offs involving Bolivia, Suriname and Iraq. Morocco, who made history at the 2022 World Cup as the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals, will compete in Group C with Brazil, Scotland and Haiti.
Thiaw’s ban will rule him out of the dugout for five of Senegal’s six AFCON 2027 qualifying matches scheduled for September, October and November, while the sanctioned players will miss the opening two qualifiers.
