The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has taken decisive disciplinary action following the controversial climax of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco. CAF announced the suspension of Senegal’s head coach, Pape Bouna Thiaw, citing unacceptable conduct during the match that marred what was supposed to be a celebration of African football.
The decision comes in the wake of chaotic scenes in the final in Rabat, which Senegal won 1–0 after extra time. While Senegal lifted the trophy, the manner in which portions of the match unfolded particularly involving their coach’s actions drew widespread condemnation from football authorities and sparked disciplinary proceedings.
Reasons for the suspension
CAF’s disciplinary committee has suspended Pape Bouna Thiaw primarily for his role in leading Senegal’s team off the pitch in protest following a contentious refereeing decision late in regulation time. With the match finely poised and stoppage time being played, a goal that would have given Senegal the lead was ruled out, and VAR later awarded a penalty to Morocco. In reaction, Thiaw instructed his players to leave the field in protest an unprecedented move in a major AFCON final that halted play for several minutes.
This act was widely seen as a breach of CAF’s regulations, which clearly prohibit teams from abandoning the field of play without referee authorization. The federation concluded that Thiaw’s decision to walk off was not only unsporting but also undermined the integrity of the match. CAF’s statement stressed that all participants must respect match officials’ decisions and adhere to the spirit of fair play.
While the match eventually resumed and Senegal went on to win after goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved the subsequent penalty and midfielder Pape Gueye scored in extra time, the fallout from the walk-off has now overshadowed aspects of the sporting achievement. Following CAF’s ruling, Thiaw’s suspension is expected to include a period on the sidelines and possible further sanctions depending on the outcome of the ongoing disciplinary review.
Official CAF statement
In its official release, CAF highlighted its commitment to upholding discipline and respect within African football. The statement noted that Thiaw’s conduct particularly ordering his players from the field in protest and failing to maintain control over his team violated established competition regulations.
CAF also emphasised that such behaviour set a dangerous precedent and had the potential to jeopardise the reputation of African football on an international stage. The federation assured stakeholders that it would continue to enforce standards to ensure that the AFCON and its matches remain credible, orderly, and respectful of the laws of the game.
The statement further mentioned that additional sanctions could be applied, depending on any further findings by CAF’s disciplinary bodies.
Reactions from the Senegal team
Reactions from the Senegal camp have been mixed. While the players celebrated their second AFCON triumph in dramatic fashion on the pitch, comments made in the days after the match indicate a recognition of the controversy and an understanding of the consequences.
Although Thiaw himself did not immediately respond to the suspension, reports from the post-match press interactions which included tense press conference moments and jeers from rival journalists suggest that the coach is aware of the gravity of his actions and the scrutiny they have attracted.
Several members of the Senegal squad, including captain Sadio Mané, had previously acknowledged the emotional intensity of the moment and urged calm when the protest nearly escalated further. Mané openly expressed that he felt it would be “crazy” not to finish the match, encouraging his teammates to return to the field rather than abandon the game entirely.
Team officials and players have largely refrained from publicly criticising CAF’s decision, instead emphasising their pride in winning the title while also recognising that emotions ran high during a match marked by controversy.