Pape Thiaw, head coach of Senegal during 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Senegal Training on the 29 December 2025 at in Tangier ©Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Friday Jan 30, 2026. 15:00
Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has urged supporters not to start fundraisers in his name to help him pay off his substantial fine from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.
Thiaw led Senegal to its second AFCON title, though the final was drama-filled.
The 44-year-old tactician urged his players to abandon the match and retreat down the tunnel in second half stoppage time after Morocco were awarded a penalty which he, and many others in Senegal’s camp, disagreed with.
Though the match ultimately continued and ended in a victory for the Lions of Teranga, the display and multiple incidents marring the final certainly brought the game into disrepute, leading to heavy sanctions being dished out for both sides by CAF’s Disciplinary Board.
Thiaw received a five match suspension from CAF games for “unsporting conduct” and “bringing the game into disrepute”. In addition, he has been fined $100 000 (USD).
In a post published on his Instagram account on Thursday, the coach urged people not to attempt to help him pay the hefty fee.
“People of Senegal and my family, your solidarity since the announcement of sanctions touches me deeply. 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 outpouring of generosity, I urge you to redirect these funds to more urgent causes for the benefit of those who truly need them,” wrote Thiaw.
The former Senegalese international will not be able to guide his team through the beginning of 2027 AFCON qualifying, which is set to start in March, and will have to watch from beyond the sidelines.
By Nic Gleeson