Confederation of African Football (CAF) has banned Senegal’s head coach Pape Thiaw for five official CAF matches and fined him $100,000 for unsporting conduct after he instructed his players to leave the pitch during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Morocco on January 18, 2026.
Gatekeepers News reports that the walk-off came after a disputed penalty decision, sparking protests from the Senegal team.
CAF also fined Senegal Football Federation (FSF) $615,000 for several breaches including the behaviour of supporters and the unsporting conduct of players and staff, which the disciplinary board said brought the game into disrepute and violated principles of fair play and integrity.
Two Senegalese players, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, were each suspended for two CAF matches for unsporting behaviour toward the referee.
On the Moroccan side, defender Achraf Hakimi was handed a two-match CAF suspension, with one match suspended for a year, for his conduct during the final.
Midfielder Ismael Saibari received a three-match ban and was fined $100,000 for his role in incidents that included throwing a towel belonging to Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy into the crowd.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was fined $315,000 in total for offences including inappropriate behaviour by stadium ball boys, players and officials crowding the VAR review area and obstructing the referee, and supporters using lasers in the stadium.
CAF also rejected Morocco’s appeal to have the result overturned after Senegal briefly walked off. Senegal had eventually returned to play, their goalkeeper saved the penalty, and Pape Gueye’s goal in extra time sealed a 1-0 victory, giving the Teranga Lions their second AFCON title.
All bans apply only in CAF competitions and do not affect either side’s participation in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
