Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has appealed for calm and restraint after being handed a five-match ban by the Confederation of African Football (Caf) following chaotic scenes at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
Thiaw was sanctioned for his role in the disorder that disrupted Senegal’s 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco in the final played on 18 January in Rabat. Caf also fined the 43-year-old $100,000 citing “unsporting conduct” and actions that “brought the game into disrepute”.
The ruling prompted widespread public backing in Senegal, including the launch of an online fundraising campaign in his support. However, Thiaw moved quickly to distance himself from the initiative, issuing an appeal via his Instagram account.
“People of Senegal, my family. Your solidarity since the announcement of the sanctions has truly touched me. Thank you for all the love you show me every day. However, I humbly ask you not to organize any fundraising campaigns in my name.
While I understand and appreciate this gesture of generosity, I urge you to redirect these funds toward more urgent causes, to benefit those who are truly in need. Pape Bouna Thiaw.”
Pape Thiaw ordering his players off the pitch. Photo Credit: Imago
The Caf disciplinary action followed dramatic events late in the final, when Senegal’s players walked off the pitch after Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty. Thiaw had been angered moments earlier when a potential Senegal goal was ruled out for a foul on Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi.
The match was halted for around 17 minutes before forward Sadio Mane persuaded his team-mates to return. Morocco’s Brahim Diaz saw his Panenka penalty saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, after which referee Jean-Jacques Ndala blew for full-time.
Senegal went on to secure the title in extra time, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal to seal a second Afcon triumph in five years.
Senegal gaffer Pape thiaw. Photo Credit: AFP
Caf imposed a series of additional punishments, with total fines from the match approaching £1m. Senegal forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were handed two-match bans for unsporting behaviour towards the referee, while the Senegal Football Federation was fined $615,000.
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Morocco’s Ismael Saibari received a three-match suspension and a $100,000 fine, while Hakimi was given a two-match ban, one of which is suspended for 12 months. An appeal by Morocco’s football federation to overturn the result was dismissed.
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All sanctions apply only to Caf competitions and will not affect Senegal’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
