Senegal coach facing suspension as FIFA boss slams 'unacceptable' AFCON scenes

FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended the AFCON final and slammed Senegal's conduct, calling on African soccer to take action against head coach Pape Thiaw despite his apology

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw is facing disciplinary action from the Confederation of African Football(Image: 2026 Anadolu)

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has apologized for his conduct during the Africa Cup of Nations final, but is now facing disciplinary action from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after a request from FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

A dramatic AFCON final saw Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 in extra time, but only after the country's players stormed off the field in protest before going on to become champions. Senegal protested a late penalty decision in regulation time and threatened to forfeit the final after disagreeing with the referee.

Eventually, Senegal returned to the field after former Liverpool star Sadio Mane demanded that his teammates continue playing, and Morocco missed the resulting spot kick. Thiaw is now facing a suspension, after Infantino called on the CAF to take action.

Senegal halted the AFCON final for over 10 minutes when walking off the field, and Mane said after the game that Thiaw wanted to withdraw from the competition. Senegal was ultimately bailed out after Morocco midfielder Brahim Diaz unsuccessfully attempted a Panenka penalty.

The chaos continued after the game, as Thiaw's press conference was canceled as Senegalese and Moroccan journalists argued in the meeting room. Just when a dramatic AFCON chapter appeared to be over, Thiaw is facing disciplinary action.

The emotional Senegal coach apologized for his behavior on Sunday, expressing regret for leading his players off the field. "We didn't agree," Thiaw told BeIN Sports. "I don't want to go over all the incidents.

Senegal won the AFCON title after beating Morocco 1-0 in the final(Image: AFP or licensors)

"I apologize for the football. After reflecting on it, I made them come back [on the pitch] - you can react in the heat of the moment.

"We accept the errors of the referee. We shouldn't have done it, but it's done, and now we present our apologies to football."

Despite the apology, Infantino condemned Sunday's events and called on the CAF to take action against Thiaw. "Unfortunately, we also witnessed unacceptable scenes on the field and in the stands," Infantino posted on Instagram.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino was unhappy with the antics in the AFCON final(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto)

"We strongly condemn the behavior of some 'supporters' as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members. It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right.

"We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play. Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.

"It is also the responsibility of teams and players to act responsibly and set the right example for fans in the stadiums and millions watching around the world. The ugly scenes witnessed today must be condemned and never repeated.

"I reiterated that they have no place in football and I expect that the relevant disciplinary bodies at CAF will take the appropriate measures."

Senegal has qualified for the FIFA World Cup this summer, but it remains to be seen what sanctions are imposed against Thiaw and the soccer nation.