Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has been banned for five Confederation of African Football (CAF) matches following a chaotic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Morocco this month.
CAF announced on Wednesday that Thiaw was guilty of “unsporting conduct” and “bringing the game into disrepute” during the decider in Rabat on January 18, which Senegal won 1-0 after extra time.
Senegalese forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, both Premier League players, received two-match bans for “unsporting behaviour towards the referee.” The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) was fined a total of $615,000 for various offences, including “unsporting conduct of their players and technical staff in violation of CAF disciplinary code principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity.”
Moroccan forward Ismael Saibari was handed a three-match ban and fined $100,000 for “unsporting behaviour,” while captain and defender Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two matches. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was fined $200,000 over the “inappropriate behaviour of stadium ball boys” and an additional $100,000 for players and technical staff invading the VAR review area. Moroccan supporters were also fined $15,000 for using lasers to distract Senegalese players, bringing the total fines against Morocco to $315,000.
The final was marred by controversy when Sarr’s goal was disallowed for a foul on Hakimi, prompting most Senegalese players to temporarily walk off the pitch. Star forward Sadio Mane persuaded teammates to return, allowing play to resume. Morocco later missed a delayed penalty, and Pape Gueye scored in extra time to secure Senegal’s second AFCON title.
The bans apply to CAF matches and will not affect preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Senegal are in Group I with France, Norway, and the winners of inter-continental play-offs involving Bolivia, Suriname, and Iraq. Morocco will face Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti in Group C.
Thiaw will be barred from the dugout for five of Senegal’s six 2027 AFCON qualifying matches, while the players will miss the first two qualifiers.
