Pape Thiaw, head coach of Senegal’s national team, has been handed a five-match suspension and fined 100,000 dollars by the Confederation of African Football following his role in the disorderly 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
CAF’s Disciplinary Board found the Senegal coach guilty of unsporting behaviour after he instructed his players to leave the pitch for 17 minutes in protest during the tense final against Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The dramatic walkout came after a late penalty decision in favour of Morocco sparked strong reactions from the Senegalese bench. Play only resumed after senior players, led by Sadio Mane, persuaded their teammates to return to the field.
Despite the controversy, Senegal went on to clinch the AFCON title in extra time. Midfielder Pape Gueye emerged as the match winner with a brilliant solo goal, shortly after Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed a decisive penalty opportunity.
Following a detailed review of the incidents, CAF ruled that Thiaw’s actions violated disciplinary rules relating to fair play, integrity, and respect for the game. The governing body stressed that the conduct brought the competition into disrepute.
As part of the sanctions, Thiaw will be barred from the dugout for five official CAF matches and must also pay a substantial financial penalty.
The Senegal coach is expected to challenge the ruling, with an appeal anticipated in the coming days.
CAF’s decision marks another strong response to the chaotic scenes that overshadowed an otherwise dramatic and memorable Africa Cup of Nations final.
