The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw a five-match suspension and a $100,000 fine following incidents during the AFCON 2025 final.

The punishment relates to events during the final against Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, where Senegal players left the pitch for about 17 minutes in protest after a penalty was awarded to the host nation. Thiaw was found to have instructed his players to walk off the field, citing dissatisfaction with decisions made by referee Jean Jacques Ndala.

Senegal later returned to complete the match and went on to win the title after extra time, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal after Brahim Díaz missed the penalty that sparked the protest.

Following a review of reports from match officials, CAF ruled that Thiaw’s actions violated its Disciplinary Code, particularly principles related to fair play, integrity, and protecting the image of the game.

CAF confirmed the sanction in an official statement, announcing both the suspension and financial penalty for the Senegal coach.