CAF suspends Senegal Coach Pape Thiaw for 5 matches, fines him

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has suspended Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw for five official CAF matches and fined him USD 100,000 following his conduct during the dramatic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Morocco.

The sanctions form part of a wider disciplinary response by CAF after chaotic scenes in the title decider held in Rabat on January 18, 2026, which saw Senegal eventually win 1-0 after extra time.

CAF found that Thiaw breached the organisation’s Disciplinary Code by engaging in unsporting conduct and bringing the game into disrepute — particularly after television footage showed him gesturing toward his players in a way that was widely interpreted as an instruction to leave the pitch in protest over a late penalty award to Morocco.

Additional sanctions as outlined by CAF include:

Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr — both Senegalese internationals — were suspended for two CAF matches for unsporting behaviour toward the referee.

The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) was hit with a USD 615,000 fine tied to the conduct of players, technical staff, and supporters. 

Morocco’s Royal Football Federation (FRMF) also faced penalties, with fines and bans imposed on players such as Ismael Saibari (three-match suspension and USD 100,000 fine) and Achraf Hakimi (two-match ban).

CAF said the disciplinary measures were necessary due to violations of fair play, integrity, and behaviour that brought the game into disrepute. Its board also rejected Morocco’s appeal to overturn the match result following the controversial incidents.

The bans apply only to CAF competitions and will not affect Senegal’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.