Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw is facing a potential ban from this summer’s World Cup following extraordinary scenes that overshadowed his team’s African Cup of Nations triumph.
The Lions of Teranga claimed the continental title after Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye netted in extra-time against hosts Morocco in Rabat.
However, the closing moments of normal time descended into chaos when Thiaw instructed his squad to walk off the field after Congolese official Jean Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a last-gasp penalty.
The spot-kick was given for an alleged infringement by West Ham defender El Hadji Malick Diouf on Real Madrid’s Braham Diaz.
Senegal’s frustrations had already boiled over moments earlier when Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr saw what appeared to be a late winner disallowed by the referee.
The subsequent penalty decision proved the final straw for Thiaw, who made the dramatic call to withdraw his players from the pitch in protest as Diaz stood ready to take the spot-kick.
Remarkably, not all of his squad followed the instruction.
Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw is facing a potential ban from this summer’s World Cup following extraordinary scenes that overshadowed his team’s African Cup of Nations triumph
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Former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane remained on the field, refusing to join his teammates in their walkout.
The extraordinary protest left officials scrambling to restore order as tensions reached breaking point.
In a remarkable twist, Diaz attempted an audacious Panenka-style penalty, only for his effort to drop softly into the grasp of former Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy.
Pape Thiaw apologised after Senegal players walked off the pitch in their AFCON final against Morocco
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Gueye then struck the decisive goal as the additional period commenced, securing Senegal’s victory.
The drama triggered disorder among spectators, with Senegal fans hurling objects in the stands.
Though Thiaw offered an apology during a television interview following the match, his scheduled media briefing was abandoned after a physical altercation broke out in the main press room.
The violent scenes added further controversy to an already tumultuous evening in the Moroccan capital.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino denounced the “unacceptable scenes” and “condemned the behaviour of some Senegalese players and members of the coaching staff.”
Infantino stated: “The deplorable scenes we witnessed must never be repeated. The competent disciplinary bodies of CAF must take appropriate action.”
Senegal players celebrate their AFCON triumph over Morocco
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The African football governing body confirmed it is examining all available footage and will refer the matter to the relevant authorities for sanctions against those responsible.
Thiaw faces a minimum touchline suspension and substantial fine, though a complete ban from football remains possible.
With Senegal having no competitive fixtures before the World Cup, any punishment would take effect during the tournament.
They are drawn against France, Norway and either Iraq, Bolivia or Suriname in Group I.
