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CAF slaps Pape Thiaw and Achraf Hakimi with suspension; Senegal and Morocco fined
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed down multiple sanctions against the football federations of Senegal and Morocco, while confirming a five-month suspension for Senegalese coach Pape Thiaw following the dramatic incidents at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Morocco.
The final, held in Rabat, descended into chaos for over fifteen minutes as Senegal threatened to abandon the pitch in protest of refereeing decisions by Congolese official Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo.
The controversy peaked when Morocco was awarded a late penalty after a VAR review. However, goalkeeper Edouard Mendy brilliantly denied Brahim Diaz’s panenka attempt, pushing the match into extra time.
The decisive moment came just three minutes into extra time when Pape Gueye struck a stunning left-footed goal from the edge of the box, securing Senegal’s second AFCON title.
CAF’s disciplinary action focused on Thiaw, who was caught instructing his players to head back to the locker room after Morocco’s penalty.
“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 the CAF statement.
Thiaw’s suspension will cover the AFCON 2027 qualifiers, but he remains eligible to lead Senegal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the Lions of Teranga are in Group I with France, Norway, and the winners of intercontinental playoffs between Bolivia, Suriname, and Iraq.
CAF also sanctioned Senegalese players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, suspending them for two matches each for unsporting behaviour toward the referee.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) wasn’t spared either, facing fines totaling USD 615,000 for various breaches:
- USD 300,000 for improper conduct of supporters
- USD 300,000 for unsporting behaviour of players and technical staff
- USD 15,000 for cautions received by five players
Morocco also faced penalties. Defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match ban, with one match suspended for a year, while Ismael Saibari was handed a three-match suspension and fined USD 100,000. The Federation Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) was fined USD 200,000 for ball boys’ misconduct and USD 100,000 for improper conduct by players and staff who interfered with the VAR review.
Finally, CAF dismissed Morocco’s protest alleging violations by Senegal under Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations, officially reaffirming Senegal as 2025 AFCON champions.