Pape Thiaw banned for five matches, Hakimi and Saibari also sanctioned | OneFootball

CAF announced overnight that Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has been banned for five matches and fined $100,000 after the chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco.

Senegal won 1-0 after extra time. Late in normal time a VAR-backed penalty for Morocco prompted some Senegal players, at Thiaw’s instruction, to leave the pitch and some supporters to attempt an invasion. Brahim Diaz missed the kick and play resumed.

Thiaw was punished for unsporting conduct, breaches of fair play and integrity, and damaging the image of football. For unsporting behaviour towards the referee, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr received two-match bans.

Senegal’s federation was fined $615,000, roughly €513,000, for supporters’ misconduct, for unsporting behaviour by players and staff, and for a disciplinary tally of five cautions.

Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension, with one to be served, for unsporting conduct. Midfielder Ismaël Saibari was banned for three matches after trying to take the Senegal goalkeeper’s towel during the final.

Morocco’s federation was fined $200,000 over the ball boys’ conduct and $100,000 for players and staff entering the VAR review area and hindering the referee, plus $15,000 for laser use by supporters. The sanctions will apply from qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Source: Le Progres