CAF Acts After Protests Overshadow the Final Whistle
Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw has broken his silence after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) imposed disciplinary sanctions following the heated **AFCON 2025 final against Morocco.
CAF confirmed that Thiaw was fined $100,000 and handed a five-match suspension after leading his players off the pitch in protest of a late VAR decision during the final moments of the match.
In a statement following the ruling, CAF noted that the decision was taken after “a full review of match officials’ reports and video evidence,” adding that “conduct capable of disrupting match completion will attract firm sanctions regardless of match outcome.”
‘Do Not Raise Money for Me’ — Thiaw Addresses Supporters
Rather than mounting a public defence, Thiaw struck a markedly restrained tone when addressing Senegalese supporters who had begun organising fundraising efforts to offset the fine.
“I am deeply grateful for the love and solidarity shown,” Thiaw said. “But I do not want anyone raising money for me. If you wish to give, please direct it to causes and communities that truly need it.”
The appeal quickly shifted public focus from punishment to principle, drawing praise from both supporters and neutral observers.
Leadership or Line-Crossing? A Debate CAF Has Settled
The controversial scenes unfolded shortly before Senegal secured a 1–0 extra-time victory, sealing the continental title amid confusion and unrest inside the stadium.
Supporters argued Thiaw’s actions reflected leadership under perceived injustice. Critics, however, viewed the walk-off as a breach of professional conduct.
CAF’s disciplinary panel made its position clear.
“Emotions do not excuse actions that undermine competition integrity,” a CAF disciplinary source said, reinforcing the body’s zero-tolerance stance on on-field protests.
From Sanction to Signal: A Shift in the Narrative
In the days following the ruling, Thiaw’s response has softened the edges of a divisive episode. By redirecting attention away from himself, the Senegal coach reframed the controversy as a moment of collective responsibility.
Sources close to the Senegal camp say Thiaw remains fully engaged in team planning despite the suspension, with one official noting that “his authority in the dressing room has not been shaken.”
As Senegal moves beyond an AFCON campaign defined by both triumph and turbulence, Thiaw’s conduct off the pitch has emerged as a defining secondary narrative—one that places restraint and perspective alongside silverware
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