Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has responded with humility to the disciplinary sanctions imposed on him by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following his team's controversial victory in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, calling on supporters to redirect funds intended for his fine to charity instead.
Thiaw was handed a five-match suspension and a $100,000 fine for his role in the chaotic final against Morocco, where he ordered his players off the pitch to protest a late penalty decision. The coach expressed deep gratitude for the public support but firmly discouraged the crowdfunding campaigns initiated by fans to pay his penalty.
"People of Senegal, my family, your solidarity since the announcement of the sanctions has touched me deeply. Thank you for the love you show me every day," Thiaw wrote in a social media post.
"However, I humbly ask you not to organise fundraising campaigns in my name. While I understand and appreciate this generosity, I encourage you to redirect those funds to more urgent causes, to help those who truly need them."
The decision came after Senegal's dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Morocco, a match marred by the 17-minute stoppage. Despite the protests, Senegal returned to the field and won after Moroccan forward Brahim DÃaz missed the contentious penalty.
In total, CAF fined the Senegalese federation a combined $615,000, with Morocco fined $415,000. Thiaw's five-match ban will be served in upcoming CAF competitions but will not affect his presence at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he is expected to lead the Teranga Lions from the sidelines as they compete on the global stage.
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