Senegal’s national team coach, Pape Thiaw, has been banned for five matches and fined by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for unsporting conduct during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final on January 18, 2026.
Incident Background
The AFCON final in Rabat pitted Senegal against Morocco, with Senegal winning 1-0 in extra time via a goal from Pape Gueye. Key controversies included a disallowed goal by Senegal’s Ismaïla Sarr due to a foul on Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, vehement protests from the Senegalese side, and a brief team walk-off signaled by Thiaw’s gestures toward his players. Sadio Mané convinced teammates to return, and the match proceeded after a Moroccan penalty (saved by Édouard Mendy) led to extra time.
Disciplinary Actions Against Senegal
- Pape Thiaw: Suspended for five CAF matches for “unsporting conduct” and “bringing the game into disrepute.”
- Fine on Thiaw: $100,000.
- Senegalese forwards (Ismaïla Sarr and another): Each banned for two matches for unsporting behavior toward the referee.
- Senegal Football Federation (FSF): Fined $615,000 for violations by players and technical staff breaching fair play, loyalty, and integrity principles.
Actions Against Morocco
- Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF): Fined $200,000 for inappropriate actions by stadium ball boys, plus $100,000 for players and staff invading the VAR area, and $15,000 for fans using lasers to distract opponents—totaling $315,000.
CAF announced these sanctions on January 28, 2026, addressing the chaotic scenes including object-throwing by fans and a brief pitch invasion.
