Thiaw and Senegal Face Heavy Sanctions
Senegal manager Pape Thiaw has been handed a five-game ban and fined $100,000 (£72,000) following the disorderly scenes in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco. Caf cited him for “unsporting conduct” and “bringing the game into disrepute.”
The final, held on 18 January in Rabat, saw Senegal’s players storm off the field after Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty. Thiaw instructed his squad to leave the pitch, furious at an earlier referee decision against Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi. The match was delayed for 17 minutes before Senegal forward Sadio Mane convinced the team to return. Senegal went on to win 1-0, with Pape Gueye scoring in extra time.
Senegal forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr received two-match bans each for misconduct toward the referee, while the Senegal Football Federation (FSF) was fined $615,000 (£444,000). Morocco’s Ismael Saibari was given a three-match ban and $100,000 fine, and Hakimi received a two-match ban, with one suspended for 12 months. Caf rejected Morocco’s request to overturn the result.
Fan and Federation Fines Add Up
In addition to player sanctions, the FSF was fined $600,000 (£434,000) for unsporting behaviour by players, staff, and fans. Teranga Lions supporters clashed with security after the penalty decision, with some attempting to enter the pitch. Senegal also paid a $15,000 (£11,000) fine for accumulating five yellow cards.
Morocco’s federation (FRMF) faced multiple fines: $200,000 (£144,000) for ball boys repeatedly trying to steal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy’s towel, $100,000 for staff entering the VAR area, and $15,000 for supporters using lasers.
Algeria Sanctioned Following Quarter-Final Exit
Algeria’s football federation (Faf) was fined $100,000 for six breaches during their AFCON quarter-final loss to Nigeria, including offensive gestures from supporters. Additional fines included $25,000 for player misconduct, $10,000 for security violations, and three $5,000 penalties for throwing objects, smoke devices, and accumulating five yellow cards.
Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane received a two-game ban, while right-back Rafik Belghali was banned for four matches, with two suspended for 12 months, for aggressive conduct toward the referee. These sanctions, alongside those from the AFCON final, underscore CAF’s strict disciplinary stance across the tournament.
