Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has been handed a five-match ban and fined $100,000 (€83,677) following the chaos that marred the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco. The sanctions were imposed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after Thiaw ordered his players to leave the field in stoppage time when Morocco were awarded a penalty.
The incident occurred during the 18 January showpiece in Rabat. Senegal’s players walked off and the match was delayed for 17 minutes before they returned. Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy subsequently saved Brahim Diaz’s Panenka penalty, and Pape Gueye scored the winner in extra time to give Senegal the trophy.
CAF stated: 'The CAF Disciplinary Board decided to suspend Mr Pape Bouna Thiaw for five official CAF matches for his unsporting conduct in violation of the CAF Disciplinary Code principles of fair play and integrity and for bringing the game into disrepute.' The Senegalese Football Federation was also fined $600,000 (€502,062) for the behaviour of players, staff and supporters.
Additionally, Senegal forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr received two-match bans for unsporting behaviour towards the referee. On the Moroccan side, forward Ismael Saibari was banned for three matches and defender Achraf Hakimi for two, with one match suspended. CAF also rejected Morocco’s protest over alleged violations of rules by Senegal during the final.
