CAF Crackdown: Senegal Coach Pape Thiaw Faces Disciplinary Action Over AFCON Final Walk-Off

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reportedly opened disciplinary proceedings against Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw following the chaotic scenes that nearly derailed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat.

Despite Senegal ultimately lifting their second continental title with a 1-0 victory over Morocco, the triumph has been overshadowed by a controversial protest that saw the Lions of Teranga briefly walk off the pitch.

The Incident

The drama unfolded in the dying minutes of regulation time when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty to hosts Morocco following a VAR review. The match officials judged that Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf had fouled Brahim Díaz inside the box.

The decision sparked fury on the Senegalese bench. Coach Pape Thiaw was seen visibly incensed, gesturing for his players to abandon the game in protest. The match was halted for nearly 15 minutes as players headed toward the tunnel, plunging Africa’s showpiece event into uncertainty.

Order was eventually restored thanks to the intervention of Senegal captain Sadio Mané, who persuaded his teammates to return to the field. In a twist of fate, Morocco’s Brahim Díaz missed the resulting penalty saved by Édouard Mendy and Senegal went on to snatch victory in extra time.

CAF and FIFA React

While the result stands, the administrative fallout has just begun. CAF has officially condemned the walk-off, stating it will “not tolerate conduct that brings the game into disrepute.”

According to reports, the continental governing body is currently reviewing match reports, video footage, and officials’ accounts. Thiaw faces potential sanctions that could range from a hefty fine to a lengthy touchline suspension.

The incident also drew the ire of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who was present at the final. Infantino strongly condemned the disruptions, emphasizing that aggressive protests and walk-offs have no place in professional football.

A Regretful Champion

In the aftermath of the victory, Coach Thiaw has publicly apologized for his actions, admitting that emotions got the better of him in the heat of the moment.

“We did not agree with the decision… After reflecting on it, I made them come back,” Thiaw told reporters. “We accept the errors of the referee. We shouldn’t have done it, but it’s done and now we present our apologies to football.”

What This Means for Senegal

For the newly crowned champions, the disciplinary proceedings add a sour note to their celebrations. While the title remains secure, the potential suspension of their head coach could impact the team’s preparations for upcoming qualifiers and international fixtures.

As CAF’s disciplinary board deliberates, the football world awaits a verdict that will likely serve as a precedent for maintaining discipline in high-stakes matches.