The head coach of the Senegal national team Pape Bouna Thiaw has been suspended for five official CAF matches and fined USD 100,000 by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following his conduct during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco.
These punishments are disciplinary response by CAF after disgraceful occurrences in the final match held on the 18th January 2026 in Rabat, where Senegal triumphed 1-0 after extra time.
Thiaw was found of breaching the CAF Disciplinary Code through unsporting actions that bring the game into disrepute, particularly after video footages showed him signaling his players to leave the pitch in protest over a late penalty awarded to Morocco.
CAF additional sanctions include :
Two Senegalese players, Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye suspended for two CAF matches for their unsporting behaviour towards the referee.
The Senegal Football Federation was fined USD 615,000 due to the conduct of players, coaching staff and supporters.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was also hit with fines and suspensions for players like Ismael Saibari, who has been suspended for three matches and fined USD 100,000. Captain Hakimi Achraf is also facing two-matches ban.
CAF stressed that, these disciplinary actions were necessary due to breaches of fair play, intergrity, and conduct that brought the game into disrepute. The governing body also rejected Morocco’s appeal to void the match outcome.
Note; These suspensions are only limited to CAF competitions and will not affect Senegal’s preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2026.
About the Author
