The decisions were taken following the incidents that ensued during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Morocco.
The final played in Rabat was interrupted for over fifteen minutes, as Senegal attempted to abandon the pitch following refereeing decisions by Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo.
The Atlas Lions were awarded a late penalty following a VAR review, but goalkeeper Edouard Mendy stopped Brahim Diaz’s attempted panenka kick forcing the final beyond the 90 minutes.
After the missed penalty, the decisive moment arrived just three minutes into extra time when Pape Gueye unleashed a stunning left-footed strike from the edge of the area to make Senegal Africa champions for the second time in history.
Thiaw banned for five matches
CAF have finally acted to the incidents by suspending coach Thiaw, who was seen instructing Senegal players to return to the locker room after the penalty was awarded.
“To suspend Pape Thiaw, the head coach of the Senegalese national team, for five (5) official CAF matches for his unsporting conduct in violation of the CAF Disciplinary Code principles of fair play and integrity and for bringing the game into disrepute, and also fined USD 100,000,” read part of the statement from CAF.
Thiaw will now serve his suspension during the upcoming qualifiers for the next Africa Cup of Nations, but will be available to coach the Lions of Teranga at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by sixteen cities - eleven in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada from June 11.
Senegal are in Group I with France, Norway and the winners of inter-continental play-offs involving Bolivia, Suriname and Iraq.
CAF further sanctioned Senegal players - Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr - for two (2) CAF matches for unsporting behaviour towards the referee.
Apart from the suspensions, the Senegalese Federation was not spared by CAF. The African body has imposed Senegal FA with a fine of USD 300,000 for the improper conduct of its supporters, which brought the game into disrepute in violation of the CAF Disciplinary Code principles of fair play and integrity.
The Senegalese FA was also fined USD 300,000 for the unsporting conduct of their players and technical staff in violation of the CAF Disciplinary Code principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity.
“The unsporting conduct of their players and the technical staff also brought the game into disrepute,” explained the statement from CAF, which confirmed another USD 15,000 fine for the West African nation Federation for the misconduct of its national team, due to five (5) of its players having received cautions.
Hakimi to serve two match ban
Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi will serve a two-match suspension with one (1) of these matches being suspended for one (1) year from the date of this decision, for his unsporting behaviour.
Another Moroccan player affected by CAF decisions is Ismael Saibari, who will serve three (3) match suspension for his unsporting behaviour, and was further fined USD 100,000.
The Federation Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) was fined USD 200,000, for the inappropriate behaviour of the stadium’s ball boys during the aforementioned match, and USD 100,000 for the improper conduct of their national team players and technical staff, who invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the referee’s work.
In conclusion, the CAF Disciplinary Board rejected the protest lodged by the Federation Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) regarding alleged violations by the Federation Senegalaise de Football (FSF) of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the AFCON relating to the final.
By dismissing this petition, CAF officially reaffirmed Senegal as the 2025 AFCON Champions.
