The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has suspended Senegal coach, Pape Bouna Thiaw, for instructing his players to leave the field during AFCON 2025 final.
CAF’s decision to suspend coach Thiaw followed a review of the incident, citing breaches of conduct and failure to uphold the integrity of the game during a high-profile continental final.
CAF described the actions of the technical bench as unacceptable and damaging the image of African football.
The decision comes after intense scrutiny surrounding the chaotic scenes that overshadowed the showpiece match, despite Senegal going on to lift the trophy.
CAF confirmed in a statement that Thiaw will serve suspension from all CAF competitions, with further sanctions including a fine also imposed.
The length of the ban means Senegal will be without their head coach for upcoming competitive fixtures, forcing the Senegalese FA to consider interim arrangements.
CAF stressed its commitment to upholding discipline and respect for match officials across all its competitions, noting that no individual or team is above the rule.
The governing body added that appropriate sanctions had been imposed inline with its disciplinary code and warned that similar behavior in the future would attract even harsher penalties.
Senegal emerged champions of Africa after defeating the host nation, the Atlas Lions of Morocco, in a tense and controversial final played at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium, Rabat on Sunday night.
The match ended goalless in regulation time before Pape Gueye struck four minutes into extra time to give Senegal a decisive 1:0 lead.
However, drama erupted deep into second -half stoppage time when Morocco were awarded penalty.
The decision triggered heated protests, culminating in coach Pape Thiaw ordering Senegal players to walk off the pitch in protest.
The situation threatened to derail the final before Senegal captain Sadio Mane, intervened and persuaded his teammates to return from the dressing room, allowing a conclusion of the game.
Despite the controversy, Senegal held on to secure their AFCON crown, sealing a historic triumph marked by both footballing excellence and dramatic confrontation.
The incident has sparked widespread debate across the continent, once again raising concerns about officiating standards, discipline, and conduct in a major African tournaments.
-9News Nigeria.
