The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a substantial five-match ban and a $100,000 fine on Senegal manager Pape Thiaw following the dramatic and controversial conclusion to the Africa Cup of Nations final. Thiaw was sanctioned for unsporting conduct after he instructed his players to leave the pitch late in the match against Morocco, sparking chaotic scenes and a significant delay.
Disciplinary Fallout from the Afcon Final
In addition to Thiaw's personal penalty, the Senegalese football federation has been fined $615,000 by CAF due to the team's conduct and the behaviour of their supporters during the final. Two Senegal players, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, have also received two-match suspensions from CAF competitions for their unsporting behaviour towards the match officials.
Morocco's Sanctions and Dismissed Appeal
Host nation Morocco faced their own set of penalties, with fines totalling $315,000 levied for multiple infractions. These included the conduct of ball boys during the game, the behaviour of players and staff in the Video Assistant Review area, and the use of lasers by Moroccan supporters. Furthermore, Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two CAF matches, with one match suspended for a year, and teammate Ismael Saibari received a three-match ban. Both were punished for unsporting conduct after attempting to remove the pitch-side towel of Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy in the driving rain in Rabat.
Despite the disruptions, CAF's Disciplinary Committee dismissed Morocco's formal bid to have the result of the match overturned. The appeal was lodged after Senegal players left the pitch, causing a 14-minute delay in the final. Senegal ultimately secured victory with an extra-time goal from Pape Gueye, winning the tournament after a disallowed goal and a missed penalty by Morocco's Brahim Diaz in the contentious closing stages.
Context of the Controversial Incident
The chaotic finale unfolded when Pape Thiaw ordered his players from the field following a controversial penalty decision awarded to Morocco late in the match. This came minutes after Senegal had a goal disallowed, heightening tensions. The incident marred what was otherwise a highly successful Africa Cup of Nations tournament, which generated record revenues for CAF, underscoring the event's commercial triumph amidst the on-field drama.
