Senegal national team coach Pape Thiaw has appealed to fans to stop a fundraising campaign set up to pay the $100,000 fine imposed on him by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following incidents in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
The tournament saw Thiaw lead the “Lions of Teranga” to a 1-0 victory over host nation Morocco, securing the nation’s continental glory.
CAF handed Thiaw a strict punishment on Thursday, January 29, suspending him for five matches in African competitions and imposing the hefty fine.
The sanction sparked widespread debate in Senegal, with many supporters deeming it unfair. In response, Senegalese fans launched an online initiative to help the coach settle the fine, demonstrating their admiration and solidarity.
Thiaw, however, moved quickly to acknowledge the gesture while humbly requesting that supporters redirect their resources to more pressing causes.
Posting on his personal Instagram account, he said: “People of Senegal, my family, your solidarity since the announcement of the sanctions deeply touches me. 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 immense generosity, I encourage you to direct these funds toward more urgent causes, helping those who are in greatest need.”
The five-match ban applies only to CAF competitions, meaning Thiaw will remain eligible to lead Senegal at the 2026 World Cup next summer.
The suspension, though restrictive, does not diminish his recent accomplishments or his role in guiding the team on the international stage.
Before the World Cup, Thiaw led Senegal to continental triumph in Morocco, and his tenure has been marked by remarkable consistency.
Across 27 matches as interim and head coach, he has recorded 22 wins, four draws, and just a single defeat, according to Transfermarkt.
