CAF Suspends Senegal Coach Pape Thiaw After AFCON Final Walk-Off Protest

CAF Suspends Senegal Coach Pape Thiaw After AFCON Final Walk-Off Protest.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially suspended Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw following the dramatic walk‑off protest that overshadowed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat. The decision comes after a disciplinary review into the chaotic scenes that unfolded deep into stoppage time, when Thiaw instructed his players to leave the pitch in protest of a late penalty awarded to host nation Morocco.

Senegal had ultimately gone on to win the final 1–0 after extra time, securing their second continental title. Yet the triumph was eclipsed by the controversy that erupted moments after a VAR review led referee Jean‑Jacques Ndala to award Morocco a last‑minute penalty. The call came shortly after Senegal had a potential winning goal disallowed, heightening tensions on the field.

According to multiple reports, Thiaw gestured for his players to walk off, leading them into the tunnel for several minutes as confusion spread across the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. The match was halted for more than 15 minutes, with global audiences watching in disbelief as Africa’s biggest football event teetered on the brink of abandonment.

CAF condemned the incident as a serious breach of conduct, stating that Thiaw’s actions threatened the integrity of the competition. The governing body emphasized that while emotions run high in major finals, leading a team off the pitch crosses a disciplinary line and sets a dangerous precedent for the sport.

The suspension follows earlier reports that CAF had opened formal disciplinary proceedings against Thiaw, citing his role in escalating the situation and disrupting the flow of the match. The investigation highlighted the nearly 15‑minute stoppage and the widespread criticism that followed the walk‑off.

Although Senegal returned to the pitch and Morocco ultimately missed the controversial penalty before Senegal sealed victory in extra time; the fallout has continued to dominate headlines. The incident has sparked debate across the continent about officiating standards, VAR usage, and the responsibilities of coaches during high‑pressure moments.

Thiaw has since faced intense scrutiny, with some reports noting that he later attempted to calm tensions with an apology, though many observers argue that the damage to the spectacle had already been done.

CAF is expected to announce the full details of Thiaw’s suspension and any additional sanctions against the Senegalese federation in the coming days, as African football continues to grapple with the implications of one of the most dramatic finals in AFCON history.