The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has suspended Senegal’s head coach, Pape Thiaw, following the chaotic scenes that marred Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat, Morocco.
Pape Thiaw has apologised for his role in the controversial incident during his side’s AFCON final 1-0 win against Morocco.
Thiaw had ordered his players to leave the pitch in protest after a penalty was given to Morocco following a foul on Brahim Diaz.
Diaz, who played his club football for Real Madrid, was pulled by Malick Diouf in the box.
However, as reported by Sky Sports on Monday, Thiaw said: “I don’t want to go over the incidents. I apologise for the football. After reflecting on it, I made them come back on the pitch.
“You can react in the heat of the moment. We accept the errors of the referee. We should not have done it, but it is done, and we present our apologies to football.”
Senegal defeated host nation Morocco 1–0 after extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium to clinch their second continental title, but the historic triumph was overshadowed by Thiaw’s decision to order his players off the pitch in protest.
CAF said the coach’s action constituted a serious breach of conduct and threatened the integrity of the competition.
The controversy erupted deep into second-half stoppage time when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a late penalty after a VAR review.
The decision came moments after a Senegalese goal had been disallowed, sparking fury on the Senegal bench.
In response, Thiaw instructed his players to abandon the pitch, triggering fears that the final could be abandoned or forfeited.
Play was halted for nearly 20 minutes as officials struggled to restore order.
It was Senegal captain, Sadio Mane, who eventually defused the crisis, persuading his teammates to leave the dressing room and return to the field so the match could continue.
Senegal went on to seal victory in extra time through a decisive strike by Pape Gueye, but CAF moved swiftly after the final whistle to sanction the technical crew.
