Senegal’s head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw has been hit with a five‑match ban and a hefty fine following the controversial and chaotic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against hosts Morocco.
The decision was announced on Thursday, 29 January 2026, by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board after reviewing incidents that marred the climax of the tournament in Rabat.
Chaos in Rabat: What Happened in the AFCON Final
The AFCON 2025 final at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium was destined for drama.
With the score at 0–0 deep in stoppage time, several key decisions sparked tensions:
Senegal appeared to score, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Shortly after, Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review – a call that infuriated the Senegal camp.
In response to the penalty award, Thiaw was captured on TV gesturing and seemingly instructing his players to leave the field in protest.
Most of the Senegal squad walked off the pitch and retreated to the dressing rooms, while star Sadio Mané notably stayed behind and later convinced teammates to return so the match could continue.
The penalty was eventually taken by Morocco’s Brahim Diaz, but it was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.
The game went into extra time, during which midfielder Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal, securing a 1–0 victory and Senegal’s second AFCON title.
CAF’s Ruling: Ban and Fine
Following the match, CAF’s disciplinary panel determined that Thiaw’s actions violated the CAF Disciplinary Code, citing “unsporting conduct” and conduct that “brought the game into disrepute.” As a result:
Thiaw was suspended from five official CAF matches and fined USD 100,000.
The ban applies only to CAF competitions — such as AFCON qualifiers and tournaments — and will not affect Senegal’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup later this year.
Wider Sanctions on Senegal and Morocco
Senegal’s punishment was not limited to the coach:
Senegal Football Federation (FSF) was fined approximately USD 615,000 for various infractions, including unsporting conduct by players and staff and misconduct by supporters.
Senegal internationals Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each handed two‑match bans for unsporting behaviour towards the referee.
Morocco also faced disciplinary action:
Defender Achraf Hakimi and midfielder Ismaël Saibari received suspensions for unsporting behaviour.
The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was fined for ball‑boy misconduct, obstruction of VAR operations, and laser use by fans.
Reactions and Aftermath
The ruling has reignited debate across African football.
Critics argue that while emotions run high in finals, teams must respect officials and the integrity of the game.
Supporters of Senegal’s stance contend that the referee’s decisions were unfair and triggered understandable frustration.
Regardless, CAF has made clear through its sanctions that collective protest that disrupts the match cannot be tolerated.
Senegal now prepares to navigate its next CAF fixtures without its head coach on the touchline, while the spotlight remains on how the federation and Thiaw will respond — including whether they will appeal the decision in the coming days.
