Senegal boss Thiaw banned after Afcon final chaos

Senegal manager Pape Thiaw has been banned for five games after the chaotic scenes during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco this month.

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) issued Thiaw with a $100,000 (£72,000) fine, saying he was guilty of "unsporting conduct" and "bringing the game into disrepute".

The final in Rabat, which Senegal went on to win 1-0, descended into disarray when Senegal's players left the field after Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty.

Thiaw, still incensed by the referee's decision to blow for a foul on Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi before Ismaila Sarr headed in three minutes earlier, instructed his players to leave the field.

The match was delayed by about 17 minutes before Senegal forward Sadio Mane convinced his team-mates to return to the pitch.

Brahim Diaz's 'Panenka' penalty was saved by Senegal keeper Edouard Mendy, then referee Jean-Jacques Ndala immediately blew the whistle for full-time.

Pape Gueye scored the winning goal in the fourth minute of extra time to seal a second Afcon triumph in five years for Senegal.

Senegal forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Sarr received two-match bans for "unsporting behaviour towards the referee", while the Senegal Football Federation (FSF) was fined $615,000 (£444,000).

Morocco forward Ismael Saibari was given a three-match ban and fined $100,000 (£72,000), while defender Hakimi was handed a two-match ban, with one game suspended for 12 months.

The bans for Thiaw and the four players relate to Caf matches only and will not impact preparation for the 2026 Fifa World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.