SOCCER: Senegal coach banned, fined over Cup of Nations final fracas

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has suspended Senegal coach Pape Thiaw for five games and fined him $100,000 for "unsporting conduct" after he instructed his players to leave the pitch during the Cup of Nations final against Morocco.

CAF also fined Senegal's football federation $615,000 due to the team's conduct and the behavior of their fans. Additionally, players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were suspended for two CAF matches for unsporting behavior toward the referee.

Morocco’s attempt to have the match result overturned, following the 14-minute delay caused when Senegal players left the field, was dismissed by CAF’s Disciplinary Committee.

Hosts Morocco were also sanctioned with fines totaling $315,000 for several incidents, including the conduct of ball boys during the game, the behavior of their players and staff in the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) area, and the use of lasers by supporters.

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension, with one match suspended for a year, while teammate Ismael Saibari was suspended for three CAF matches. Both were penalized for unsporting conduct after attempting to remove the pitch-side towel of Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy during heavy rain in Rabat.

The controversy began late in the match when Senegal coach Thiaw told his players to leave the pitch following a disallowed goal. Minutes later, Morocco was awarded a penalty, which Brahim Diaz missed. Senegal eventually won the game thanks to Pape Gueye’s extra-time goal.

Despite the chaotic scenes in the final, the tournament was otherwise successful, producing record revenues for CAF.

-Reporting by Nick Said; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters