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By Newz.Africa Sport Desk | Dakar, Senegal | Published: 30 January 2026 | CAF suspension
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has been suspended for five official CAF matches. He has also been fined $100,000. The Confederation of African Football ruled that he instructed his players to walk off the pitch. This was during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco.
CAF’s Disciplinary Board said Thiaw’s actions violated principles of fair play and integrity. They noted that instructing players to leave the field amounted to unsporting conduct. This brought the competition into disrepute. The incident became controversial after a late penalty decision. It sparked outrage among Senegal’s technical staff. This prompted the temporary walk‑off that delayed the match for several minutes.
The final, played in Rabat, saw multiple disciplinary issues involving both Senegal and Morocco. Senegal eventually returned to the pitch. They went on to win the match after extra time. The disruptions drew severe scrutiny from CAF officials.
CAF suspension Pape Thiaw linked to broader sanctions against Senegal
Beyond Thiaw’s personal sanctions, CAF issued a series of heavy fines against the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF). These included penalties totalling $615,000 for supporter misconduct, technical staff behaviour, and repeated disciplinary breaches.
Players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each suspended for two CAF matches for unsporting behaviour towards match officials. CAF stated that multiple incidents occurred during the final. These included confrontations with officials and repeated protests. These incidents contributed to its decision to impose the wide‑ranging sanctions.
The disciplinary board emphasised a key point. While Senegal won the match, their conduct did not meet established standards of respect. It also lacked loyalty. They did not uphold the integrity required in continental competitions.
CAF suspension Pape Thiaw follows chaotic AFCON final scenes
The AFCON 2025 final was one of the most contentious in recent history. In stoppage time, Morocco were awarded a penalty after a VAR review. Furious Senegalese players and staff confronted the referee. Television footage captured Thiaw gesturing for the team to leave the pitch.
Most of the team walked off. Star leader Sadio Mané stayed on the field. He later helped persuade teammates to return so the game continue. The penalty was eventually taken but saved by Edouard Mendy, sending the match into extra time.
CAF noted that extra issues worsened the situation. These issues included supporters throwing objects, pitch incursions, and coaches entering the VAR review area. This behavior led to further fines against both national federations.
CAF suspension Pape Thiaw raises questions over future competitions
Thiaw’s five‑match ban applies to official CAF fixtures, including upcoming AFCON qualifiers. The FSF has indicated that it will appeal the suspension. They argue that the intensity of the moment contributed to the chaos. Controversial refereeing decisions also played a role.
Morocco’s football federation also received significant fines. These include a $200,000 penalty for the behaviour of stadium ball boys. They also include a further $100,000 for technical staff invading the VAR area. Senegal’s victory in the final remains intact after CAF dismissed Morocco’s protest alleging rule violations.
The sanctions signal CAF’s intent to crack down on disorderly conduct. Officials warn that future AFCON tournaments must show higher standards of professionalism.
Original Reporting
Primary artefact:
CAF Disciplinary Board rulings and official sanctions announcement, as reported via MyJoyOnline, ESPN and Reuters‑linked sources.
What was confirmed:
- Pape Thiaw received a five‑match CAF suspension.
- CAF fined him $100,000 for unsporting conduct.
- Senegal’s federation was fined $615,000 for multiple disciplinary breaches.
- Players Sarr and Ndiaye received two‑match bans.
- Morocco’s FA received fines totalling $315,000, including penalties for behaviour around the VAR area.
- CAF dismissed Morocco’s protest and confirmed Senegal as AFCON 2025 champions.
Sources:
- Firstpost – AFCON final walk‑off sanctions
- France24– full disciplinary measures
- 3News – Thiaw banned, fined after AFCON final chaos
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