The Senegalese government has pledged its full backing for national team head coach Pape Thiaw, vowing to defend him “by all means possible” just a day after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) handed him a ban.
Thiaw, 44, who took over as head coach of the Lions of Teranga in 2024 following the departure of Aliou Cissé, was sanctioned over incidents that occurred during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Morocco.
The final, staged at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, was halted for more than 15 minutes after Senegal threatened to walk off the pitch in protest against officiating decisions by Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo. Thiaw was seen urging his players to leave the field after hosts Morocco were awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time.
Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, however, kept Senegal alive by saving Brahim Díaz’s panenka-style penalty, pushing the match beyond regulation time. Senegal capitalised on that reprieve, with Papa Gueye scoring the decisive goal to secure the continental title.
On Thursday, CAF announced disciplinary measures against Thiaw, handing him a five-match suspension and a USD 100,000 fine. The former professional, who enjoyed a playing career across France, Switzerland, Spain and Russia, was found guilty of misconduct during the final.
In response, Senegal’s Ministry of Sports issued a strong statement of support, insisting the coach would not be abandoned. The government also hinted at a possible salary increase for Thiaw after delivering the country’s primary objective of winning AFCON.
“We regret these sanctions. I spoke with the president of the Senegalese Football Federation (Abdoulaye Fall), and he gave me an update on the situation,” said Khady Diene Gaye, Minister of Sports, as quoted by Wiwsport.com.
“Pape Thiaw is Senegalese, a patriot. He has ardently defended his country, the colors of Senegal. He is our national team coach, so we are all behind him and with him. We will do everything in our power, both at the Federation level and at the Ministry of Sports, to defend him. We will not abandon him.”
Thiaw will serve his suspension during Senegal’s upcoming AFCON qualifying matches but will be eligible to lead the Lions of Teranga at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11.
CAF also imposed sanctions on Senegal players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, suspending each for two matches due to unsporting behaviour towards the referee.
In addition, the Senegalese Football Federation was fined USD 300,000 for the improper conduct of its supporters, which CAF said brought the game into disrepute and violated its disciplinary code on fair play and integrity. A further USD 300,000 fine was imposed for the unsporting conduct of players and technical staff, citing breaches of CAF’s principles of loyalty, fair play and integrity.
