Senegal manager Pape Thiaw has been handed a five-game ban and fined $100,000 (£72,000) following the disorderly scenes during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Morocco earlier this month. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) cited Thiaw for “unsporting conduct” and “bringing the game into disrepute,” part of a series of disciplinary measures imposed after a chaotic match that ultimately saw Senegal lift the trophy with a 1-0 victory.
The final, played on 18 January at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, descended into turmoil when a stoppage-time penalty was awarded to Morocco. Senegal’s players, incensed by the decision, briefly left the field in protest. The penalty followed a foul call against Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi, just minutes after Ismaila Sarr had headed in a goal.
According to CAF’s report, Thiaw instructed his team to leave the pitch in protest of the officiating, creating a 17-minute delay in the match. It was only after forward Sadio Mane intervened and convinced his teammates to return that play resumed. Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved Brahim Diaz’s Panenka penalty, and shortly afterward, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala blew the final whistle, confirming Senegal’s triumph.
The winning goal came earlier in extra time, with Pape Gueye scoring in the fourth minute to seal Senegal’s second AFCON title in five years. Despite the victory, CAF has imposed a range of fines and bans totaling nearly £1 million.
In addition to Thiaw’s suspension, Senegal forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Sarr were each handed two-match bans for “unsporting behaviour towards the referee.” The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) was fined $615,000 (£444,000), reflecting both the misconduct of players and technical staff, and disturbances caused by supporters. Fans were involved in confrontations with security personnel following the penalty award, with some attempting to storm the pitch.
Morocco’s team also faced disciplinary measures. Forward Ismael Saibari received a three-match ban and a $100,000 (£72,000) fine, while Hakimi was given a two-match ban, one game suspended for 12 months. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was fined $200,000 (£144,000) for various infractions, including the inappropriate behavior of ball boys who repeatedly tried to steal Mendy’s towel during the match. Additionally, the FRMF must pay $100,000 after players and staff interfered with the video assistant referee (VAR) review area and $15,000 for the use of lasers by supporters.
CAF’s disciplinary committee rejected Morocco’s bid to have the result of the final overturned, despite the Senegal team briefly leaving the pitch. The sanctions specifically relate to CAF competitions and will not affect Senegal’s preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The FSF’s $600,000 (£434,000) fine was split evenly, with half relating to unsporting conduct from players and technical staff and the other $300,000 tied to fan behavior. Additionally, a $15,000 fine was issued after Senegal accumulated five yellow cards during the final.
CAF described the events of the match as “a series of violations impacting the integrity and reputation of African football,” emphasizing the responsibility of both teams and their supporters to maintain discipline in high-stakes games.
Despite the sanctions, Senegal celebrated their second AFCON title in five years, with Mane’s leadership and Gueye’s decisive strike helping the Teranga Lions secure their place at the top of African football. The controversy surrounding the final, however, overshadowed portions of the victory and highlighted ongoing challenges in managing fan conduct, player discipline, and officiating in continental competitions.
For Senegal, the AFCON victory remains a historic achievement, but Thiaw’s suspension and the heavy financial penalties serve as a reminder of CAF’s strict approach to upholding sportsmanship standards. Similarly, Morocco faces scrutiny over actions by players, staff, and supporters that disrupted the flow of the final.
CAF’s disciplinary actions send a clear signal to teams and federations across Africa: unsporting behavior, interference with referees, and misconduct by players or fans will not be tolerated, even in high-profile matches such as the continental final. As teams prepare for future tournaments, including the 2026 World Cup, these rulings underscore the importance of professionalism and adherence to the sport’s rules.
