CAF bans Senegal coach Pape Thiaw after AFCON final walk-off drama

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw a suspension following his controversial conduct during the tense AFCON 2025 final against host nation Morocco.

Thiaw was found guilty by CAF’s disciplinary committee after instructing his players to walk off the pitch in protest of a late refereeing decision, a move that sparked chaotic scenes during the tournament’s showpiece match.

Although Senegal later returned to the field and went on to claim a dramatic 1–0 victory after extra time, CAF ruled that the actions of the technical bench crossed a line.

In a statement confirming the sanction, CAF said Thiaw’s behaviour breached competition regulations and was “unacceptable and damaging to the image of African football.”

The governing body announced that the Senegal coach has been suspended from all CAF competitions, with a financial penalty also imposed.

The ruling means Senegal will be without their head coach for upcoming continental fixtures, forcing the Senegalese Football Federation to explore interim coaching options despite the team’s recent AFCON triumph.

CAF further stressed that discipline and respect for match officials remain non-negotiable, adding that “no individual or team is above the rules.”

The organisation warned that similar incidents in the future would be met with even tougher consequences, reinforcing its stance on maintaining order and professionalism across African football.