Africa-Press. Senegalese fans launched a fundraising campaign in support of coach Pape Thiaw to raise money to pay the financial fine imposed on him, following sanctions handed down by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) disciplinary committee over the incidents during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.
According to CAF’s statement published on its official website on Thursday, CAF decided to suspend Senegal coach Pape Thiaw for five matches in CAF competitions and fine him $100,000 “for unsporting conduct in violation of the principles of fair play and integrity and for damaging the reputation of football,” in addition to other sanctions affecting players from Senegal and Morocco.
Thiaw rejects fans’ money
The organizers of the campaign—titled “Fundraising campaign for Pape Thiaw” on the Koober Express platform—said it was launched after the penalties were announced against the “Lions of Teranga” coach, to support him and to show the Senegalese people’s solidarity with the national team head coach.
Responding to the supporters’ show of solidarity, Thiaw posted a message of thanks on his official Instagram account, saying: “People of Senegal, my family, your solidarity since the sanctions were announced has deeply moved me, and thank you for the love you shower me with every day.”
Despite his appreciation for the sympathy, the Senegal coach asked the public to refrain from organizing fundraising drives in his name, urging those who want to contribute to direct the money toward more urgent causes and to help groups in society facing real need.
It is worth recalling that Thiaw received his CAF sanction after Senegal’s players called for withdrawing from the final against Morocco, played on January 18, following a penalty awarded to the “Atlas Lions” in the last minute. After a long stoppage and discussions, the players returned to the pitch to resume play. Morocco missed the penalty, and Senegal won 1-0 after extra time.
