The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has delivered a sweeping set of disciplinary actions against the newly crowned continental champions, Senegal, following the chaotic scenes that nearly derailed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final. Head coach Pape Thiaw has been handed a five-match suspension and a $100,000 fine for his role in a high-stakes protest that briefly halted play during the tournament’s decider in Rabat.
The ruling, announced on January 28 by the CAF Disciplinary Board, found Thiaw guilty of "unsporting conduct" and bringing the game into disrepute. The sanctions stem from a dramatic 97th-minute incident during the January 18 final against hosts Morocco. After Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo awarded a late penalty to Morocco following a VAR review, Thiaw was captured on camera gesturing for his players to leave the pitch in protest.
While the Senegalese squad eventually returned to the field after a delay of several minutes—and went on to secure a 1–0 victory in extra time thanks to a Pape Gueye strike—CAF officials stated that the walk-off attempt violated the core principles of fair play and integrity. The governing body emphasised that encouraging players to abandon the field undermines the authority of match officials and the prestige of African football’s flagship event.
The fallout extends beyond the manager's bench. The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has been ordered to pay a staggering total of $615,000 in fines. This includes a $300,000 penalty for the improper conduct of supporters and another $300,000 for the unsporting behaviour of players and technical staff. Key players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr have also received two-match bans for their conduct toward the referee during the heated exchange.
The Moroccan side did not escape scrutiny either. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was fined $200,000 for the "inappropriate behaviour" of stadium ball boys and $100,000 for an invasion of the VAR review area by players and staff. Star defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension, with one game suspended for a one-year probationary period, while midfielder Ismaël Saibari was handed a three-match ban and a $100,000 fine.
Despite the severity of the continental sanctions, Senegal's triumph remains in the record books.