The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has suspended Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw for five official CAF matches and fined him US$100,000 for unsporting conduct during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final.
According to CAF’s Disciplinary Board, Thiaw breached the principles of fair play and integrity after instructing his players to walk off the pitch during the tense final against host nation Morocco. CAF said the action brought the game into disrepute.
The sanctions form part of a wide-ranging set of disciplinary measures announced after a series of incidents disrupted the high-profile final.
Two Senegalese players, Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, were each handed two-match suspensions for unsporting behaviour directed at match officials.
CAF also imposed heavy financial penalties on the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), fining the association a total of US$615,000 for multiple violations of the disciplinary code. This included a US$300,000 fine for the misconduct of Senegalese supporters, another US$300,000 for the unsporting behaviour of players and technical staff, and an additional US$15,000 after five Senegal players were cautioned during the match.
Sanctions were also handed down to the host nation and its football authorities. Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two CAF matches, with one of the suspensions suspended for a year from the date of the ruling.
Midfielder Ismaël Saibari received a three-match ban for unsporting behaviour and was fined US$100,000.
The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) was fined US$200,000 for the inappropriate conduct of ball boys during the final. CAF also imposed a further US$100,000 fine on the Moroccan federation after players and technical staff invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee. An additional US$15,000 fine was issued for supporters’ use of laser devices inside the stadium.
Meanwhile, CAF dismissed in full a formal protest lodged by the Moroccan Football Federation, which alleged breaches of AFCON regulations by Senegal. The Disciplinary Board’s decision brings to a close the regulatory proceedings arising from one of the most controversial AFCON finals in recent history.
