Pape Thiaw, Achraf Hakimi banned as AFCON final prompts over £1m in fines

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw and Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi have been hit with bans and more than £1m in fines after the chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium earlier this month, Goal reported. The final saw Abdoulaye Seck’s late goal disallowed, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala award a controversial penalty, and Thiaw tell his players to leave the pitch in protest.

Play resumed after more than 15 minutes, Brahim Diaz had his Panenka saved, and Pape Gueye scored in extra time to give Senegal the title. FIFA president Gianni Infantino called the scenes "unacceptable," Goal said. According to the Daily Mail and reported by Goal, Thiaw has been suspended for five matches and fined £72,000.

Senegal’s FA were fined £445,000 for the conduct of officials and some fans, while Morocco received a £228,000 fine related to ball boys, conduct in the VAR area and fans using laser pens. Everton’s Illiman Ndiaye and Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr were given two-match bans. Hakimi was banned for two matches, with one suspended for a year, and team-mate Ismael Saibari received a three-game ban and a £72,000 fine after both tried to take the towel of Senegal keeper Edouard Mendy.

Goal’s report cited those disciplinary measures as part of the wider sanctions.

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