Pape Thiaw is the head coach of Senegal
Just over 10 days after one of the most chaotic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in history, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has asked fans not to donate to cover his disciplinary fine.
Following the 2027 AFCON final, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) issued fines totaling more than $1 million (€835,000) and handed bans to players and staff from both finalist teams.
Senegal was fined $615,000 for the “unsporting conduct of their players and technical staff in violation of the CAF disciplinary code principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity.”
Thiaw himself was banned for five matches and fined $100,000 for “bringing the game into disrepute.”
Meanwhile, Senegal players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr will miss the first two qualifiers for “unsporting behavior towards the referee.”
$715,000 Fine: Check out heavy sanctions CAF imposed on Senegal
The final against Morocco descended into chaos when Senegal walked off in protest after a late penalty was awarded to Morocco following a VAR review, moments after Senegal had a goal disallowed.
Fans attempted to storm the pitch, journalists clashed and after a 15-minute delay, Morocco missed the penalty. Senegal eventually won in extra time.
Morocco head coach Walid Regragui later described the match as giving African football a “shameful image.”
In the wake of the sanctions, supporters had begun organizing fundraising campaigns to help cover Thiaw’s fine.
The coach, however in an Instagram post, urged restraint in a heartfelt message, “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.
However, I humbly ask you not to organize 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.”
FKA/AM
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