As Senegal holds its breath waiting for the verdict from the African Football Confederation (CAF) disciplinary committee following the chaotic CAN 2025 final, a major clarification has already come from FIFA. The global body has confirmed that no international sanctions will be imposed, thus removing any threat to the Lions of the Teranga’s participation in the upcoming World Cup.
CAF is set to meet this Tuesday to examine the serious incidents that occurred during the final, which Morocco won 1-0. At the end of the match, Senegalese players left the field to protest a highly controversial penalty, plunging the game into an atmosphere of extreme tension. This decision sparked a true chaos, with long interruptions, clashes in the stands, attempts to storm the pitch, and several reports of damage and injuries.
In this explosive context, national coach Pape Thiaw finds himself particularly exposed. Presented as one of the main instigators of his team’s withdrawal, the Senegalese tactician could face heavy disciplinary sanctions from the African body. The commission’s discussions will rely on three key reports: that of Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ngambo Ndala, the match delegate, and the security officials.
On FIFA’s side, the tone is firm. Its president, Gianni Infantino, unequivocally condemned the scenes observed during the final, calling the act of leaving the field mid-match and the surrounding violence unacceptable. However, according to details provided by L’Équipe, the legal experts at the global body believe any sanctions imposed by CAF will remain strictly within the continental framework.
In clear terms, even if suspensions or fines hit Pape Thiaw and some Senegalese players in Africa, these measures will not automatically affect competitions organized by FIFA. The Lions of the Teranga can therefore look to the future with some relief: their qualification and participation in the next World Cup are not in jeopardy, despite the severity of the events during this CAN 2025 final.
