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 released 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 eventually won 1–0 after extra time.
CAF also sanctioned Senegalese forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, both of whom play in the English Premier League. The duo received two-match bans each for “unsporting behaviour towards the referee.”
In addition, the Senegal Football Federation (FSF) was fined a total of $615,000 for multiple offences committed during the final. CAF said these included the unsporting conduct of players and technical staff, which violated disciplinary principles of fair play, loyalty, and integrity.
Morocco were not spared punishment either. 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 after Moroccan players and technical staff invaded the VAR review area, obstructing the Congolese referee’s work.
CAF also fined Morocco $15,000 after supporters used laser pointers to distract Senegalese players, bringing the country’s total fine to $315,000.
The final was marked by controversy late in regular time. A goal by Ismaila Sarr was disallowed for a foul on Hakimi, who was later named 2025 African Player of the Year. Soon after, Morocco were awarded a penalty when Brahim Díaz was fouled, triggering furious protests from the Senegal bench.
Television footage showed Thiaw gesturing toward his players, an action widely interpreted as instructing them to leave the pitch. Most of the Senegal team walked off to the dressing room, but captain Sadio Mané stayed behind and later convinced his teammates to return so the match could continue.
Morocco missed the delayed penalty, with Edouard Mendy saving a weak effort from Díaz. The match 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 intervened.
CAF clarified that all bans apply only to CAF competitions and will not affect 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 winners of an intercontinental playoff involving Bolivia, Suriname, and Iraq. Morocco, who made history by reaching the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, will compete in Group C with Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti.
Thiaw will miss five of Senegal’s six 2027 AFCON qualifiers, scheduled for September, October, and November, while the sanctioned players will sit out the first two qualifying matches.
