Pape Thiaw Rejects Fundraising to Pay CAF Fine, Urges Fans to Support Urgent Causes Instead
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has called on supporters to halt fundraising efforts aimed at helping him pay the $100,000 fine imposed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following the chaotic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Morocco.
The Teranga Lions boss was sanctioned and handed a five-game ban after ordering his players off the pitch in protest when Morocco were awarded a late penalty in the final.
The dramatic incident delayed the game for nearly 20 minutes until Sadio Mané persuaded his teammates to return. Senegal went on to win the match in extra time.
CAF’s Disciplinary Committee later ruled that Thiaw’s actions amounted to ‘unsporting conduct’ and ‘bringing the game into disrepute.’
In addition to Thiaw’s punishment, forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr received two-match bans for dissent towards the referee, while the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) was fined $615,000.
In response to crowdfunding initiatives launched by Senegalese fans to cover his fine, Thiaw expressed gratitude but urged that donations be directed elsewhere.
‘While I understand and appreciate this gesture of generosity, I invite you to redirect these funds to more urgent causes, for the benefit of those who truly need them,’ he wrote on social media, thanking supporters for ‘the love you show me every day.’
The coach stressed that his focus remains on guiding Senegal forward despite the suspension, while encouraging fans to channel their goodwill into helping vulnerable communities.
