Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw asks fans to stop fundraisers following CAF sanctions and redirect support to those in genuine need

Senegalese national football coach Pape Bouna Thiaw has urged supporters to cease organising fundraisers in his name following sanctions imposed by the Confederation of African Football after the 2025 AFCON final in Morocco.

Also read: CAF slams Senegal, Morocco with heavy sanctions after AFCON final chaos

Thiaw, who guided Senegal to a historic victory at the tournament, was handed a five‑match suspension and fined $100,000 by CAF for “unsporting conduct” and actions deemed to have brought the game into disrepute.

The disciplinary measures arose after Thiaw ordered his players off the pitch in protest at a late match decision before play resumed and Senegal ultimately triumphed in extra time.

In an Instagram post on Thursday, Thiaw thanked fans for their solidarity but asked that generosity be directed toward those in genuine need.

“People of Senegal, my family. Your solidarity since the announcement of the sanctions goes straight to my heart. Thank you for the love you show me every day,” he wrote.

“I humbly ask you not to organise fundraisers in my name. While I understand and appreciate this outpouring of generosity, I invite you to redirect these funds to more urgent causes, for the benefit of those who truly need them.”

The CAF disciplinary decisions extended beyond Thiaw, including bans and fines for players from both Senegal and Morocco, while the football federations faced substantial penalties.

Senegal’s football body was fined approximately $615,000 for misconduct by players, staff, and supporters, while Moroccan officials and players also received suspensions and fines following the controversial final.

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Observers note that Thiaw’s call reflects a focus on broader social responsibility, signalling a desire to shift attention from personal support to community needs in the wake of a highly charged tournament conclusion.