The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a severe disciplinary sanction on Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw, banning him for five official CAF matches and issuing a $100,000 fine following his actions during the heated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Morocco. The decision comes after CAF concluded a detailed review of the chaotic scenes that unfolded during the closing stages of the tournament’s showpiece match.
The AFCON final, staged in Rabat, was expected to be a celebration of African football. Instead, it became one of the most controversial finals in the competition’s history, overshadowed by protests, stoppages, and unprecedented tension between players, officials, and coaching staff.
What triggered the sanctions
The controversy erupted late in regulation time when the referee awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review. The decision immediately sparked outrage from the Senegalese bench and players, who felt aggrieved by what they believed was an unjust call. Emotions spilled over as Senegal’s technical area erupted in protest, with Pape Thiaw at the center of the storm.
According to CAF’s disciplinary findings, Thiaw made demonstrative gestures toward his players during the protest, actions that were interpreted as encouraging them to leave the pitch. Moments later, several Senegal players walked off the field toward the tunnel, bringing the final to a standstill and creating confusion inside the stadium.
CAF ruled that Thiaw failed in his duty to calm his players and instead contributed to an escalation that undermined match authority. The governing body emphasized that coaches bear significant responsibility during tense moments and must act to preserve order and respect for officials.
CAF’s reasoning and disciplinary verdict
AFCONIn its ruling, CAF stated that Thiaw’s conduct violated core principles of sportsmanship, including respect for referees, fair play, and the integrity of competition. Encouraging or allowing players to abandon the pitch was deemed a serious offense, particularly during an AFCON final watched by millions across the continent and beyond.
The five-match ban will apply strictly to CAF-sanctioned competitions, meaning Thiaw will be barred from the touchline for upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and other continental fixtures. The $100,000 fine reflects CAF’s view that the incident damaged the image of African football and set a dangerous precedent if left unpunished.
CAF also stressed that while teams have the right to question officiating decisions, such grievances must be pursued through formal protest mechanisms rather than on-field demonstrations that disrupt play.
How the match ultimately ended
After a prolonged delay and intervention from match officials, security personnel, and senior players, Senegal eventually returned to the pitch. Morocco failed to convert the disputed penalty, allowing the match to proceed into extra time.
Despite the emotional turmoil, Senegal regained focus and scored the decisive goal during extra time, clinching the AFCON title. However, the victory did little to mitigate the seriousness of the earlier events in CAF’s eyes, as disciplinary matters were treated separately from sporting outcomes.
Wider sanctions and impact on Senegal
Thiaw was not the only individual affected by CAF’s disciplinary sweep. Several Senegal players were handed suspensions for confrontations with match officials, while the Senegal Football Federation received a substantial fine for failing to control its bench and players.
Morocco also faced sanctions related to conduct during the final, including issues involving ball handling delays, interference with VAR procedures, and inappropriate supporter behavior inside the stadium. CAF described the collective sanctions as necessary to restore confidence in match governance.
For Senegal, Thiaw’s suspension presents a significant logistical challenge. Although the ban does not affect FIFA competitions such as World Cup qualifiers, his absence from CAF matches could disrupt continuity and preparation ahead of future continental campaigns. Assistant coaches are expected to assume greater responsibility during the suspension period.
A strong message from CAF
CAF’s decision sends a clear signal to coaches, players, and federations across Africa that emotional reactions, no matter how intense the circumstances, must not cross established boundaries. The governing body reiterated that respect for officials and adherence to competition rules are non-negotiable, especially on football’s biggest stages.
As debate continues among fans and pundits over the referee’s decisions that sparked the protest, CAF’s ruling shifts the focus firmly onto discipline and accountability. The episode stands as a reminder that leadership during moments of crisis is judged as much by restraint as by passion a lesson that will resonate across African football long after the final whistle.
