CAF suspends Pape Thiaw for 5 games; imposes $615K fine on Senegal over AFCON final chaos
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a series of severe disciplinary sanctions in response to the chaotic events that unfolded during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.
While Senegal has been officially declared the tournament winner, the “Lions of Teranga” have borne the brunt of a heavy disciplinary hammer.
Senegal’s head coach, Pape Bouna Thiaw, has been handed a five-match suspension from official CAF matches, the most significant individual penalty, and has been fined USD 100,000 for unsporting conduct.
The CAF Disciplinary Board ruled that Thiaw’s actions, specifically his role in leading a 14-minute player walk-off to protest a late VAR penalty, brought the game into disrepute and damaged the image of African football on its grandest stage.
Furthermore, Senegal has been hit with a substantial financial penalty of $615,000.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) faces a total financial liability of $615,000. The breakdown of these fines includes:
- $300,000 for the misbehaviour of supporters.
- $300,000 for the misconduct of players and technical staff.
- $15,000 for the five yellow cards accumulated during the fiery final.
Key players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr were also caught in the crossfire, receiving two-match suspensions each for their unsporting behaviour toward referee Jean-Jacques Ndala.
Meanwhile, the host nation, Morocco did not escape unscathed, receiving a total fine of $315,000. This included $200,000 for the behaviour of stadium ball boys, $100,000 for team misconduct, and $15,000 for the use of lasers by fans.
Crucially, CAF rejected Morocco’s legal appeal, which argued that Senegal should be stripped of the title for abandoning the match during the walk-off. By dismissing this petition, CAF has officially reaffirmed Senegal as the 2025 AFCON Champions.
