CAF bans Senegal coach, fines Senegal, Morocco after chaotic AFCON final

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw a five-match ban following disciplinary breaches during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Morocco in Rabat.

CAF announced the sanctions on Wednesday, citing “unsporting conduct” and actions that “brought the game into disrepute” during the dramatic final played on January 18 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Senegal edged Morocco 1–0 after extra time to lift the AFCON trophy, but the match was marred by controversy, heated protests and crowd disturbances.

CAF also suspended Senegalese forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr for two matches each for “unsporting behaviour towards the referee.” Both players ply their trade in the English Premier League.

In addition, the Senegal Football Federation (FSF) was fined a total of $615,000 for various infractions, including misconduct by players and technical staff, which CAF said violated principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity.

On the Moroccan side, forward Ismael Saibari received a three-match ban and a $100,000 fine, while captain Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two matches.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was fined $315,000, including $200,000 for inappropriate conduct by stadium ball boys, $100,000 for players and officials invading the VAR review area, and $15,000 after Moroccan supporters used laser pointers to distract Senegalese players.

Controversial Moments

The AFCON final descended into chaos late in regulation time when a goal by Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr was ruled out for a foul on Hakimi, the 2025 African Player of the Year.

Moments later, Morocco were awarded a penalty after Brahim Diaz was fouled, triggering furious protests from the Senegal bench and players.

Television footage showed coach Thiaw gesturing towards his players, a move widely interpreted as an instruction to leave the pitch. Most of the Senegal team walked off before star forward Sadio Mané intervened and convinced them to return so play could continue.

The penalty was eventually missed, with Diaz’s effort saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, before the match went into extra time. Pape Gueye later scored the decisive goal that secured Senegal’s second AFCON title.

During the stoppage, some fans threw objects onto the pitch and others briefly invaded the field before security officials restored order.

No Impact on World Cup

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

Senegal have been drawn in Group I alongside France, Norway and the winner of the intercontinental play-offs involving Bolivia, Suriname and Iraq.

Morocco, who made history by reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, will face Brazil, Scotland and Haiti in Group C.

Thiaw will miss five of Senegal’s six 2027 AFCON qualifying matches, while the sanctioned players will sit out the opening two qualifiers.