The final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations continues to spark discussions well beyond the pitch. Following the incidents that occurred during the match, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially initiated disciplinary proceedings against Pape Thiaw, the head coach of the Senegal national team.
The Senegalese coach is accused of encouraging his players to temporarily leave the field in protest against a disputed refereeing decision. The CAF disciplinary committee is also considering additional sanctions, including financial penalties, that could affect the Senegalese Football Federation. This procedure comes in an extremely sensitive context, marked by controversies surrounding refereeing and the handling of incidents during this final.
At the heart of the debate, Pape Thiaw’s reaction divides observers and analysts. Speaking live on Canal+, journalist and commentator Nabil Djellit called for a comprehensive and fair approach to sanctions: “All involved parties must be punished. Pape Thiaw, of course, for reasons of exemplary conduct and the precedent it could set. With or without context, this is a serious matter, but fairness is key. I’m very worried for him; I’m not convinced he will be on the bench for Senegal at the World Cup,” he stated.
In Dakar, sports authorities and the Senegalese Football Federation have expressed their support for Pape Thiaw. They believe any potential sanction must take into account the exceptional context and the intense pressure surrounding a continental final. The possibility of contesting a decision deemed excessive is not ruled out, strictly following the procedures established by CAF regulations.
