The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially launched disciplinary proceedings against Senegal’s head coach, Pape Thiaw, following his actions during the dramatic and chaotic final of the AFCON 2025 tournament.
This development stems from a highly controversial incident in the title-deciding match against hosts Morocco, played in Rabat.
In the eighth minute of second-half stoppage time, with the score still goalless, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty to Morocco after consulting the VAR monitor over a challenge by Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Diaz.
The decision came mere moments after Senegal had a goal controversially disallowed, further fueling the Lions of Teranga’s frustration.
In response to the penalty award, Thiaw reportedly instructed his players to leave the pitch and head back to the dressing room in protest, causing an unprecedented interruption that lasted around 15-16 minutes.
Players began walking off under his guidance, creating sensational and chaotic scenes on the field, though captain Sadio Mané played a key role in calming the situation and eventually convincing the team to return, preventing a potential disqualification or abandonment of the match.
Despite the disruption, Senegal went on to win the final in extra time with a goal from Pape Gueye, securing a 1-0 victory and claiming their second Africa Cup of Nations title (their first since 2021). The triumph marked a historic achievement for the Teranga Lions, but it has been overshadowed by the walk-off protest.
CAF swiftly condemned the “unacceptable behaviour” of certain players and officials during the match, stating that it strongly disapproves of any inappropriate conduct, particularly actions targeting referees or match organisers. The governing body reviewed all available footage and referred the matter to its disciplinary bodies for appropriate action.
As a result, Thiaw now faces the prospect of a significant suspension, with reports highlighting a real possibility of a lengthy ban that could sideline him for an extended period. Should the penalty prove severe enough, it might even prevent him from leading Senegal at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The incident drew sharp criticism, including from Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui, who described Thiaw’s actions as “shameful” and detrimental to the image of African football. Thiaw himself later expressed regret in post-match comments, apologising for urging the players to leave the pitch after reflection.
While Senegal celebrates their continental success, the ongoing disciplinary case against their coach underscores the high stakes and lasting consequences of the dramatic events in what many have called one of the most chaotic finals in AFCON history. Further details on the exact length of any suspension remain pending as the proceedings continue.