The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially outlined the reasons behind the heavy sanctions imposed following the incidents during the CAN 2025 final. Senegal is particularly affected by these disciplinary decisions, which are based on serious breaches of the fundamental principles of football.
The head coach of the Lions of Teranga, Pape Thiaw, has received a five (5) match suspension along with a personal fine of 100,000 dollars. According to CAF, this sanction follows an “unsportsmanlike behavior, a violation of fair play and integrity principles, as well as a detriment to the image of football”. The continental body believes that the Senegalese coach’s attitude during the final exceeded what is acceptable for a national team official.
On the sporting side, two Senegalese players are also facing sanctions. Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr have each been suspended for two (2) matches due to “unsportsmanlike behavior towards the referee”. These actions are deemed by CAF as contrary to the respect owed to match officials.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) is also heavily penalized financially. It will have to pay several cumulative fines.
A first sanction of 300,000 dollars was imposed for “inappropriate behavior by its supporters, which harmed the image of football”.
A second fine, also of 300,000 dollars, relates to “unsportsmanlike behavior by players and technical staff, in violation of fair play, loyalty, and integrity principles”.
Finally, a last fine of 15,000 dollars was issued for “disciplinary faults of the national team”, with five players receiving warnings during the match.
Through these detailed decisions, CAF aims to send a strong message to all actors in African football. The continental body reiterates its commitment to uphold ethics, respect for the rules, and the image of African competitions, by severely sanctioning any behavior deemed detrimental to the spirit of the game.
