The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has suspended Senegal’s head coach, Pape Thiaw, following a disciplinary review of the chaotic scenes that marred Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat.
Senegal defeated host nation Morocco 1–0 after extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium to clinch their second continental title, but the historic triumph was overshadowed by Thiaw’s decision to order his players off the pitch in protest.
CAF said the coach’s action constituted a serious breach of conduct and threatened the integrity of the competition.
The controversy erupted deep into second-half stoppage time when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a late penalty after a VAR review.
The decision came moments after a Senegalese goal had been disallowed, sparking fury on the Senegal bench.
In response, Thiaw instructed his players to abandon the pitch, triggering fears that the final could be abandoned or forfeited.
Play was halted for nearly 20 minutes as officials struggled to restore order.
Senegal captain, Sadio Mane, eventually defused the crisis, persuading his teammates to leave the dressing room and return to the field so the match could continue.
Senegal went on to seal victory in extra time through a decisive strike by Pape Gueye, but CAF moved swiftly after the final whistle to sanction the technical crew.
In a statement, CAF’s disciplinary committee said protests and walk-offs, regardless of refereeing decisions, are unacceptable at any level of professional football.
“Such actions undermine the values of fair play and the integrity of CAF competitions,” the committee said.
Thiaw later admitted he acted out of anger, expressing regret and acknowledging that emotions got the better part of him during the tense finale.
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