Pape Thiaw ban headlines disciplinary action taken by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after Senegal’s head coach ordered his players to leave the pitch during the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco.
CAF confirmed on Thursday that Thiaw has been suspended for five official CAF matches and fined $100,000 for what it described as “unsporting conduct” during the chaotic closing moments of the final played on January 19.
Senegal’s football federation was also fined $615,000, while two players were handed bans following the dramatic scenes that disrupted one of the tournament’s most closely watched matches.
The sanctions apply only to CAF competitions and will not affect Senegal’s upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Pape Thiaw ban follows dramatic AFCON final scenes
The Pape Thiaw ban stems from a protest walk-off late in regulation time after Senegal were denied a stoppage-time goal for a foul in the build-up.
Moments later, Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review that judged Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf to have committed a foul inside the area. Several Senegal players reacted angrily and left the pitch in protest, causing a delay of more than 15 minutes.
CAF said Thiaw’s instruction to abandon the field crossed disciplinary lines, even though the match eventually resumed.
When play restarted, Morocco’s Brahim Díaz failed to convert the penalty, with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy producing a decisive save. Senegal later went on to win the final 1–0 in extra time through Pape Gueye.
Beyond the Pape Thiaw ban, CAF also sanctioned Senegal players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, each receiving two-match bans for unprofessional conduct toward the referee.
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Morocco were not spared disciplinary action. Captain Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two CAF matches, while Ismael Saibari received a three-match ban and a $100,000 fine.
CAF also fined the Moroccan football federation $315,000, citing misconduct by players, officials and supporters. The governing body highlighted the use of laser pointers aimed at Senegal players and inappropriate behaviour by ball boys, including the removal of a towel belonging to Mendy.
Morocco’s appeal to have the final’s result overturned was dismissed by CAF’s Disciplinary Committee, despite the unprecedented walk-off by Senegal players.
CAF said the Pape Thiaw ban and related sanctions were necessary to protect the integrity of African football and discourage similar protests in future competitions.
The governing body added that while emotions run high in major finals, teams and officials remain bound by disciplinary codes regardless of circumstances.
