Senegal coach banned after AFCON final chaos
The Africa Cup of Nations triumph of Senegal has been marred by significant sanctions from the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Head coach Pape Thiaw has been banned for five games and fined $100,000 for “unsporting conduct” during the chaotic final against Morocco.
The penalties stem from the dramatic stoppage-time scenes in Rabat, where Thiaw instructed his players to leave the pitch in protest after a penalty was awarded to Morocco. The 17-minute delay ended only after Sadio Mane persuaded teammates to return. Senegal eventually won 1-0 in extra time.
Additionally, the Senegal Football Federation was fined $615,000 for player, staff, and fan misconduct. Four players from both teams received suspensions. A Moroccan appeal to overturn the result was dismissed. The bans apply only to CAF matches, not affecting World Cup preparations.
