Senegal Face Heavy Sanctions Following AFCON Final Walk-Off
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed significant penalties on the Senegal national team in the wake of the chaotic scenes that marred the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco. The governing body has issued a substantial fine alongside match bans for the head coach and two key players.
Substantial Fines and Match Bans Issued
CAF has levied a total fine of £440,000 against the Senegalese Football Federation for multiple breaches of conduct. The sanctions stem from what officials have deemed "unsporting conduct and misconduct" during the high-stakes final.
Head coach Pape Thiaw has been handed a five-match suspension for his role in the incident. Two players, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, have each received two-match bans for their involvement in the late-game disruption.
The Controversial Incident That Sparked the Sanctions
The controversy erupted during stoppage time when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, after consulting VAR, awarded Morocco a penalty. The decision came after West Ham defender El Hadji Malick Diouf was adjudged to have fouled Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz.
In protest of the decision, Coach Thiaw ordered his team off the pitch. The entire Senegal squad and coaching staff, with the notable exception of Liverpool legend Sadio Mané, retreated to the dressing rooms, causing a 17-minute delay in the match.
Apologies and Aftermath of the Walk-Off
Following the extended delay, the Senegal team eventually returned to the field. The penalty itself was missed by Brahim Diaz, whose attempted Panenka was saved by former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Senegal went on to secure victory in extra time, but the damage to the tournament's reputation had been done.
Coach Pape Thiaw has since publicly acknowledged his mistake, stating: "I apologise for the football. After reflecting on it I made them come back [on the pitch] - you can react in the heat of the moment. We accept the errors of the referee. We shouldn't have done it but it's done and now we present our apologies to football."
Wider Reactions and Mané's Pivotal Role
Morocco coach Walid Regragui described Senegal's actions as "shameful," reflecting the widespread condemnation of the incident that made global headlines. Thiaw's frustration was reportedly compounded by an earlier decision to disallow a goal from Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr.
Sadio Mané emerged as a voice of reason during the crisis. The veteran forward refused to participate in the walk-off and played a crucial role in persuading his teammates to return to the pitch. He later explained: "Football is something special, the world was watching, so we have to give a good image for football. I think it would be crazy to not play this game... I'd rather lose than this kind of thing happen to our football."
The sanctions represent a significant blow to Senegal as they prepare for future competitions, with their coach and two players now facing enforced absences. The incident has sparked broader conversations about sportsmanship and conduct in high-pressure international tournaments.
