Reports: Senegal Coach Faces Suspension, Could Miss 2026 World Cup After AFCON Final Incidents

Press reports have revealed that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has opened disciplinary proceedings against Senegal national team coach, Pape Thiaw, following incidents witnessed during the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.

The reports clarified that the Senegalese coach could face a lengthy suspension, with a real threat of being banned from participating in the 2026 World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

This action follows a controversial moment in the final when Thiaw asked his players to leave the field and return to the dressing rooms after referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty to the Moroccan national team.

In an official statement issued today, Monday, CAF emphasized that any inappropriate conduct during matches, especially towards match officials or organizers, is strictly rejected and contradicts the values and spirit of football.

CAF confirmed that it has begun reviewing all video footage related to the final, noting that the file will be referred to the competent authorities within the continental federation to take appropriate disciplinary action against all those found to be involved in these behaviors.