The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed Senegal’s national team coach a five-match suspension and a $100,000 fine for his conduct during the dramatic Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco. Coach Pape Thiaw was found guilty of “unsporting conduct” after he instructed his players to briefly leave the pitch in protest of a referee decision late in the match, which led to a 14-minute stoppage before play resumed and Senegal won 1-0 in extra time.
In addition to the coach’s sanction, Senegal’s football federation was fined $615,000 for the behaviour of its players, technical staff and supporters, with the disciplinary panel citing actions that brought the game into disrepute. Two of Senegal’s key players, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, received two-match suspensions for unsporting behaviour toward the referee during the final.
CAF also ruled against Morocco’s appeal to have the match result overturned, confirming Senegal as the official champion. Moroccan players and officials were also sanctioned for their roles in the chaotic finale, with fines and match bans handed down for misconduct including interference with match officials and inappropriate conduct involving ball boys.
The disciplinary actions aim to reinforce expectations of fair play and professionalism in African football after one of the most controversial finals in recent tournament history.